Nearly €20k in funding for Arva and Virginia agri shows

The funding is part of a €1M investment aimed at supporting the 122 agricultural shows across the country

Funding has been announced for Virginia and Arva agricultural shows this morning. The Arva Show has been allocated €9,205 and takes place on Sunday, July 28 while the Virginia show has been awarded €10,700 and kicks off on Wednesday, August 21.

The funding is part of a €1M investment aimed at supporting the 122 agricultural shows across the country, initiated by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

“I’m delighted today to announce a further investment of €1M to support 122 agricultural shows right across the country,” she added. “And I’m really pleased once again to support our wonderful committees that put so much work into staging their shows in Virginia and Arva.

“Our agricultural shows play a vital role in community life and raise awareness of the important role agriculture plays in our society. These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them.

“They act as a platform for local producers to showcase their products and have become a key date in the calendar for the farming community. Our shows sum up all that is good about country life and I’m delighted to support them, once again, through this substantial investment.

“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 hope to attend a number of the shows around the country this year. Finally, I would encourage everyone to go along to their local show - you will be surprised with all that the Agricultural Shows have to offer.”

Meanwhile, in nearby Co Longford, Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show - which takes place on Sunday, June 9 - receives €6,700 in funding; Granard Agricultural Show, which is set for July 20 and 21 has been awarded €8,350; and Longford Agricultural Show, penciled in for Sunday, July 7, receives €9,205.

In Co Leitrim, Ballinamore Show has been awarded €8,350 and takes place on Tuesday, August 13; Manorhamilton Agricultural Show, Saturday, July 27, €8,350 and Mohill Agricultural Show which is taking place on Sunday, August 18 has been allocated €8,350.