Bleary Rural Community

With the number of weeks to this year’s Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Show now into single figures, the number of entries already received make it clear that Lurgan will again combine quality with quantity in the show rings. Entries will close on Saturday 24^th May.

Final preparations are now being made for the 2008 show which will be held in Lurgan Public Park on Saturday June 7^th.

The packed programme, on this, the 96^th annual show, will cover the full range of livestock and equestrian classes, pig classes, poultry classes, sheep classes, all along with the other popular sections: Home Industries and Schools Exhibits, Pet Show, Trade and Craft stands, Northern Ireland Stick Carvers, Young Farmers’ Club activities and competitions and Vintage Vehicles.

A show spokesperson commented; “Once again we have a very enthusiastic show committee working hard to ensure a successful 2008 show”.

In addition, to the above, there will be a variety of exciting and entertaining activities which will include a World War II military display, wood carving and rural crafts. A fishing competition is scheduled for the park lake, while boat rides will also be available.

A show spokeperson went on to comment; “Again there will be a continuation of a number of qualifiers in the Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Pig sections and the show is most happy to be hosting the same”.

The Equestrian section accommodates for donkey classes, Horse and Pony classes, carriage driving and show jumping classes with a number of qualifiers in each category.

Turning to the Cattle section, a wide range of judges have been appointed and with over 70 classes, exhibitors should be spoilt for choice. In this section, qualifiers for this year include the Dectomax Charolais Championship, Rare Breeds Championship Derby, the McLarnon Feeds Dairy Cow Championship and the Semex Dairy Cow of the Year and the Ulster Bank/ NISA Pedigree Beef Cow Championship.

With the number of sheep exhibitors ever increasing, the 2008 show is expected to again reach new levels with exhibits.

Goat classes at Lurgan Show have shown a gradual rise in the number of exhibits over this past few years and again like the sheep section, this area continues to grow. Both pedigree and non-pedigree goats can be exhibited with some 11 classes.

Five classes will run for the Pig Section with Lurgan being a qualifier for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Pig Derby in August.

The ever successful Poultry section is again set to reach new levels with the number of exhibitors and with over 80 classes to choose from, there is class to suit every type of bird.

New to this year’s show is a vintage display and owners of vintage, modified, customised or American vehicles are invited to enter their vehicle in the display. All exhibitors will receive entry to the show with a finishers award also being provided. Entry fee is £5 per vehicle.

Bleary Young Farmers’ Club will again host the novel ‘Build A Scarecrow Competition’ which is open to community groups, youth groups, schools and individuals. To be in with a chance of winning, simply build a life-size scarecrow and bring it to the show.

Prize schedules and entry forms can be obtained from the various section secretaries as follows:

Cattle- Mrs Finola Mulholland- 028 38322589

Sheep & Pigs- Mr David Riley- 028 38831425

Goats- Mr John Harrison- 028 38881974

Poultry- Miss Aileen Smyth- 028 38329956

Horse & Pony- Mrs Pennie Bunting- 028 38851149

Donkey Section- Miss Jane Bruce- 078 33 347470

Private Driving- Mrs Marian Pentland- 028 44831062

Trade Stands- Mr Alan Dawson- 028 38881781

Home Industries- Mrs Elizabeth Harrison- 028 38881972

Vintage Section- Mr John Harrison- 028 38881974

Alternatively, download all schedules and entry forms from: www.blearyruralcommunity.com or e-mail the show at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .