LIMERICK’S largest family and agricultural festival is set to take place at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday August 25.
Like many others in the country, organisers say, the Limerick Show Society have lost dearly cherished members and their thoughts are with them and their families and friends.
Up to 15,000 visitors, 1,000 competitors, and 150 trade exhibitors will descend on Limerick Racecourse to experience a unique event which aims to bring the people of Limerick City and County together.
President of the Limerick Show, Leo Walsh, is looking forward to welcoming people back to experience the new and improved show for 2024.
“We’re delighted that Limerick Show is back again this year. Limerick Show has always been about showcasing the very best of Limerick and the surrounding areas and we hope that this year, more than ever, people will come out and support the local farmers, producers, and exhibitors that will be on display,” he said.
Mr Walsh has also expressed his thanks to local company AMCS who have once again been named as the lead sponsor of this year’s Limerick Show.
Picture Michael Cowhey.
“We’re thrilled to have AMCS on board as our lead sponsors for 2024. Having a connection with a strong Limerick-based company was important for us and AMCS is a great example of a Limerick success story. Limerick Show has been a huge part of the Limerick social calendar since the first show took place in 1929. This tradition lives on today and we’re delighted that AMCS is supporting us and helping keep the tradition alive.”
Back again this year is the Careers Village, for those looking to kick start their career or the well experienced seeking a new challenge.
The Careers Village at the Limerick Show gives visitors the change to chat with some of the biggest employers in the world located here in Limerick.
Another feature to this year’s show this year is the Limerick City and County Council Sustainability marquee, an AgTech Hub, and an Leo marquee showcasing local crafts and food produce.
Some of the finest livestock in the country of all breeds will be on show. Back by popular demand is the poultry section and sheep this year.
The Limerick Show is renowned for showcasing the best of Irish horse breeding. This year is no exception, as one of the special features is a Festival of Irish Breeding, presented by the Traditional Irish Horse Association. This incorporates the famous Limerick Lady and Matron Championships. The TIHA Hunter Equitation class makes a return this year. This is aimed at encouraging a higher standard of production of traditionally-bred horses aged five and upwards.
In addition to the diverse agricultural programme, there are lots of new family-friendly additions to the show- absolutely free. The infamous Kids Zone, sponsored this year by O Sullivans Centra Clarina, is bigger and better with free entertainment including amusements, magic show, pony rides, and an animal farm. If the little ones get tired, they can hop on the kiddie’s train and catch a lift around the show grounds. Children under 16 get free entry to the show so there really is no excuse to leave the kids at home!
There will also be live music and dancing from 12.30pm by local band 16 Tonnes of Jive, followed by Louise Morrissey. The MC will be Limerick’s Live 95FM presenter, JP Dillon.
Celia Holmen Lee is hosting a must-see fashion show at 3pm, featuring the latest fashion trends and styles from local boutiques.
The family Dog Show is always a star attraction on the day starting at 1pm.
Visitors can shop to their hearts content at the indoor and outdoor retail village, artisan food stalls, farm machinery and more. Other attractions include show jumping, craft, art, photography, baking classes, and horticulture exhibits.
This year the HSE will be providing a vaccination clinic for measles during the show.
Limerick Show will also provide a complimentary bus ride from the city to and from the showgrounds, departing from the Gaelic Grounds at 11am/1pm, the Parkway Shopping Centre at 11.30am/01.30pm, and the Crescent Shopping Centre at 12.00am/2.00pm. The return journey will commence from 3.00pm.
The show will be officially opened at 11.30pm by Patrick O Donovan TD.
