By Dan Walsh at Ashton, Ballycanew
I dropped in yesterday afternoon to the 161st Gorey Agricultural Show at Ashton, Ballycanew, the overcast sky was pleasant to the attendance, and it was wonderful to see this historic rural occasion restored after the pandemic.
It was a truly family occasion – I would say the dog classes were the most popular attraction – but the vintage section added a traditional flavour and reminded us of the way machinery used to be on the family farm in times past.
Wexford and Clare were playing their hearts out in the All-Ireland senior hurling quarter final, and thanks to the committee, patrons were able to follow every stroke of the ball. Sadly, the cheers faded towards the end, but there is always another day!
Declan Flanagan had them all up dancing and Stacey Breen sang good country ‘n’ western songs while Seamus Long kept the little folk entertained. And the mammies and daddies clapped along and hailed their little heroes!
Great to see people of all ages out and about again in a spirit of entertainment and enjoying themselves in a no-pressure environment. After two years of lockdown, let’s appreciate the simple things in rural life, the outdoor setting, the renewal of friendships, and the weather played its part!
Pity the showjumping and horse and cattle classes were missing, but there are reasons beyond the control of the volunteers and organising committee for that, but hopefully, they will be back soon!
And finally, and on a personal note, I was very impressed with the traffic arrangements and general layout of food stalls, commercial stalls etc. and everything worked out perfectly without stress or complaint. Well done, to the Gorey Agricultural Show Committee… great show!
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