Dear All,

Ta an áthas orm bheith mar Cathaoirleach ar Seo Talamhaiochte Átha Luain don bhlian 2024. It gives me great pleasure to be Chairperson of Athlone Agricultural Show for 2024. Over the years this show has developed to be one of the top shows in the Country due to its tradition and the culmination of enormous collective efforts dating back to the 1950s of all the past committees. The unity of past traditions and perspectives is one the key components that continues to allow us to develop from strength to strength.

On behalf of Athlone Agricultural Show committee, I would like to extend a Céad Míle Fáilte to all our exhibitors, participants and spectators. This event would not be possible without our loyal sponsors who invest in our show each year. To our main sponsors, Athlone Municipal District, our sincere thank you. To Minister Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development we thank you for your generous grant to help in the running of our show. To all our other sponsors, I say thank you for your support each year.

The programme of events this year incorporates many elements including Cattle, Sheep, Poultry, Equine, Super Dog Show, Cookery Art and Photography, Kids entertainment, Birds of Prey, Live Music and many many more. In the Equine section we have over 100 classes, including 14 ISA All-Ireland Qualifiers, 5 RDS Qualifiers, 3 Donkey classes plus and a Donkey Derby. We have 31 classes with 2 All-Ireland Qualifiers in the Poultry Section. In the cattle section, we have 35 classes and an All-Ireland Young Stock Person qualifier. We have over 60 classes in the Sheep Section, including an All-Ireland Champion Belgian Beltex, Western Regional Final Texel Championship and Kepak Supreme Champion All Breeds. In the Cookery Art and Photography Section, we have over 30 classes for both Junior and Seniors. The Super Dog Show is a huge attraction each year spread across two rings. The Food and Craft Village has grown where Regional Artisan Suppliers will showcase their latest produce.

Finally as Chairperson let me express my great appreciation and thanks to all our members of our Committee for dedication, the serious participation, cooperation, flexibility, constructiveness and understanding and (neat le chéile) - strength in unity for making this year’s show what it is today. 

Let’s hope Athlone Show is another great success, so I say Thank You to all involved.

Chairperson, PJ Glynn