Media Release
Wednesday, August 21st 2024
Our Rural Future: Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys thank local Show Committees for their work in 2024
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, visited the Virginia agricultural show in County Cavan today. While at the event, the Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys praised the more than 120 agricultural show committees nationwide for their dedication to these important events in the agricultural calendar.
Earlier this year Minister Humphreys announced a funding package of €1 million for Agricultural Shows which will see each show receiving a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size. This funding is designed to support local Show committees with their running costs during the 2024 Show Season.
Speaking at Virginia Show in Cavan, An Taoiseach, Simon Harris said:
“I have been at local Shows across the country in recent weeks. Whether it’s Dungarvan, Tullamore, Tinahely, Tullow or here in Virginia today, the sense of dedication and pride that I have seen from our local Show Committees has been truly something to behold.
“These volunteers give up their time to organise wonderful events for all of us to enjoy and I really want to acknowledge and thank them for their huge efforts during the 2024 Show Season. I know Minister Humphreys has been a strong supporter of the Irish Shows Association and I look forward to working with Heather so we can do even more to support our local Shows in 2025.”
The Department of Rural and Community Development delivers this funding in collaboration with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) who administer the grants to local Show Committees across the country. Minister Humphreys has continued to increase funding for Shows to its current record level of €1 million in 2024.
Speaking at Virginia Show, where she presented the Baileys Champion Cow Award, Minister Humphreys said:
“I’m delighted to be here in Virginia today for the annual agricultural show, this show has been in existence for over 80 years and this year as always has something for everyone.
“From livestock to horses, fruit and flowers to garden produce and a range of exhibits and competitions that will provide hours of entertainment. These shows are really a wonderful way to experience the country way of life.
“Our Agricultural Shows are an intrinsic part of rural life in Ireland. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the show committees, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and local organisations that play a role in each of these shows.
“The shows would just not happen without their support. I am delighted to support the shows through my Department of Rural and Community Development and I am absolutely committed to continuing that support into the future.”
