He stated that “Irish farmers are playing their part by participating in Sustainability programmes and have a unique advantage with their grass-based production system”. 

The renowned Sponsors night of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock was held at a new venue including the launch of the Schedule of Classes. The Old Warehouse owned by Offaly native Shane Lowry, provided a luxurious experience with a cherished heritage of Offaly’s hospitality on the banks of grand canal.  

Sponsors came from near and far and were treated on arrival to a delightful reception of cocktails & canapés to start the evening off. No need to guess what one of the cocktails was, a whiskey sour with our very own Tullamore Dew. There were smiles throughout evening for the many photos with memories of a great night followed by the main meal and dessert with speeches intermittent between courses.

It was highlighted about the action-packed programme for 2024 including many new elements with the expansion of the Sustainable Livestock Village including aspects of Biodiversity, Water Quality and the first ever Speaker Corner kindly sponsored by FBD Insurance, to allow for ongoing discussions throughout the day on various sustainable topics with experts sharing their knowledge. The first ever 4- & 5-star multi breed ram and ram lamb class including a record-breaking number of breeds in sheep section introducing the Belclare and Scottish Blackface breed for 2024. The Cattle section will be hosting the four National Breeds including Simmental, Charolais, Hereford and Limousin. The Equine section will launch its first ever presentation area, and the ever-popular Odlums pavilion will return with new chef at the helm Chef Aisling Larkin.

Joe Molloy our chairman welcomed everyone and thanked our title sponsors FBD and all our loyal sponsors some with us for years and those who have just come on board. He thanked our site owners Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen McQuade, our Car park owners and local resident for their continuous cooperation. Joe stated “that without our sponsors support we would not be able to stage a show of this magnitude”

Our M.C on the night Derek Nevin introduced FBD, stating that FBD was established by farmers for farmers over 50 years ago. FBD has invested in agriculture, farming, and rural life in Ireland ever since. FBD are the largest home-grown insurer in the Irish market.

Pat Gilligan FBD Head of Sales-Midlands and Western Region stated that “FBD is proud to be the title sponsor of the National Livestock Show at the Tullamore Show: it is the highlight of the FBD’s busy summer calendar and one we look forward to each year.” Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Ireland’s livestock and farming sector. FBD are proud to be involved in the Sustainable Livestock Village with the introduction of the FBD Speakers corner this year. Pat concluded by wishing all involved in the show the very best of luck and we look forward to seeing you all on Sunday 11th August 2024.

Our guest speaker of the night was Mr Joe Burke, Senior Manager for Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia. Joe spoke of his fond memories of Tullamore Show in earlier years and more recently Bord Bia new partnership in the Sustainable Livestock Village. Joe discussed the importance of sustainability and then stated that “Naturally Irish Farmers are more conscious of this, and the definition of sustainability is basically being able to sustain production and continues to do so in a way that does not compromise the future generations.”

The speeches concluded with Joe Molloy, Chairman and Chelsey Cox McDonald Secretary making a presentation to Joe Burke and our MC for the night Derek Nevin who is also our Dog Section joint Co-Ordinator, thanked everyone for coming and reminded all present that Sunday 11th August was fast approaching for our wonderful show. So, save the date and spread the word.

Don’t forget to check out our website for full details of online competitions at www.tullamoreshow.com Entries will close the 1st of July for postal and 5th July for online entries.

We look forward to seeing you all on Show Day Sunday 11th August 2024 at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball.