OMAGH’S 180th ann-ual agricultural ex-travaganza hosted by Tyrone Farming Society will take place on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2 to showcase a remarkable representation of all that is good in the agricultural sector and in the rural community and it embodies the idea of having ‘country come to town’. The Equestrian element has been a significant part of the Show throughout its existence and it has grown in size to host some of the top All-Ireland Show Jumping qualifiers and to see many of Ireland’s leading competitors and horses in action. Omagh is one of a depleting number of Agricultural Shows that continues to host horse and pony classes. Interestingly, some shows are seeking to revive the horse element at their Show.
Each year produces add-itional new events and 2022’s schedule offers a great variety of interesting choices for all the family to consider. The equestrian section launches the Show on Friday, July 1, with horses to be found in all corners of the 20 acre grounds. There are four showing rings, two horse show jumping arenas, a pony jumping arena and working hunter arena for ponies and horses. The prize-fund of around £20,000 helps to attract some 1,300 horses and riders, many of whom compete on the international circuit.
The all-weather sand warm-
up arena is a useful enhancement to the two all-weather grass horse arenas, particularly in changeable Irish weather. Omagh Show’s hosting of show jumping at the annual agricultural event has brought many famous household names to Omagh to vie against the local talent for the top places. With competitions such as the GAIN/Alltech National Grand Prix, sponsored by TRM, the Silverbirch Hotel and the SJI; the 1.25m Horse Speed Event, sponsored by Loaneden’s Caravans, Kesh; the Ulster Region Grand Prix Tour, sponsored by Mrs E Waterson and family, Omagh and Ms S McKeever of Intershop Retail Solutions and the Horseware National Ladies League, sponsored by the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges; The Ulster Amateur Cup for A and AA Riders, to name but a few, riders have huge opportunity to make for themselves a worthwhile journey from counties such as Kilkenny, Waterford, Tipperary, Galway, Wexford and beyond.
The show has invaluable support from local horse enthusiasts, as each year they spruce up their stables and play hosts to the long distance competitors and their horses. In celebration of the Show’s 180th year, Arena 2, the ‘workhorse’ arena, is getting special acknowledgement for the enormous contribution it has made to the Show on every occasion. The TFS Executive Committee agreed to top up the Prize Fund for each of the 1m, 1.10m and 1.20m classes in that arena to £1,000. Sponsors include The Cedar Country Hotel, Baronscourt for the 1m class, Mrs Constance Curran in memory of her late father, Mr Paddy McEvoy, for the 1.10m class and Mr David Robinson, Origin Biochar, for the 1.20m class.
Sponsors, both local and national, have been most generous in their support for the Show and for the horse and pony events in particular. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a major contributor to this year’s Show. Without such support, the Show would not be the great event that it currently is.
SCHEDULE
The all-weather grass cattle arena is the perfect setting for the four showing rings on Friday, where horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes are presented to the expert judges who hail from Co. Westmeath, Co. Sligo, Co. Leitrim and Co. Meath. New young talent have a similar opportunity to their counterparts in the cattle and sheep sections, to show off their arena skills in presenting their special four-legged friends to best advantage in Ring 1 in the Junior Handler classes.
There is growing support for the Working Hunter Pony and Horse classes, with their attractive prize fund and trophies and the variety of classes.
Saturday’s list of events include, of course, the live-
stock: cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, the Home Industries marquee exhibiting a wealth of local crafts, vegetables, flowers, photography and children’s work, and much more and the Dog Show, offering classes for all types of dogs. Classic and Vintage Vehicles will be on show all day. Show Jumping will be in full swing in three Arenas. Novelty viewing will include the GAIN/ Alltech National Grand Prix.
The Sheep Shearing contest will go on throughout the day and there are new breeds of sheep on show.
There is a comprehensive range of local musical talent to cater for a wide variety of tastes.
Spare a little time and lend support to the Tug-of-War teams, as they pitch their combined strength against the opposition.
If there are young family members, they will not be disappointed if the goats, Corbally Fun Farm, the Stunning Bunnychins Roadshow, the Poultry exhibits and the Dog Show are on the ‘must see’ list.
There is a selection of food and refreshment out-lets on site for the public before setting off to view the many remaining sights, including home industries, school exhibits, fashion, trade stands, classic and vintage vehicles, crafts, flow-er arranging workshops, YFC activities, music and a full spectre of on-stage entertainment and much more.
DAY OUT
Not only does Omagh Show strive to be even better in 2022, but it is also due for some sunshine. With thousands of visitors continuing to make the farming festival the unmissable event in their calendar, there is great optimism that the show-grounds will transform into
a hive of activity and a kaleidoscopic panorama of colour and sound, once the sun appears.
Having so much choice to hand, you should set aside a full day to relax and enjoy the wondrous spectacle that has arrived in Omagh and witness what can be achieved when a willing team of workers gets together!
Friday will see 38 Horse and Pony Show Jumping Events, including Four-Year-Old Performance class, The Accumulator and Horseware National Ladies’ League Qualifier; 55 Showing classes, including Irish Draught Horse, Connemara, Shetland, Hunter Horses and Cobs, Lead Rein, Show Pony, Racehorse to Riding Horse, Junior Handler and 11 Working Hunter horse and pony classes with generous prizes.
Saturday will host the GAIN/Alltech National Grand Prix Qualifier – streamed live world-wide; Ulster Region Grand Prix Tour 2022 for 1m, 1.10m and 1.20m heights; Loaneden Horse Speed Event; The Ulster Amateur Cup for A and AA riders; Agricultural Horses and much more.
For more information, please contact the Show Office on 028 8224 2500 or 028 8224 0066; Email: info@tyronefarmingsociety.co.uk; Website: www.tyronefarmingsociety.co.uk; Facebook Omagh Show.
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