Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 9:00am

Fair weather for County Show?

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A glorious launch day for the Fermanagh County Show may be a good barometer for the actual event on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4 and 5.

As details of this year"s show were revealed, the organisers also looked back on the contribution made by one of its longest serving committee members.

Michael Murphy has served over 40 years on the management committee as well as Deputy Chairman. He retired from the committee at the last annual meeting.

The Chairman of Fermanagh Farming Society, Lord Anthony Hamilton, paying tribute to Mr. Murphy, from Ballyreagh, Tempo, said, 'Michael you have been a tower of strength to the committee and the Society owe you thanks.'

Lord Anthony also revealed that Mr. Murphy stood in as one of the acting assistant secretaries during one year to ensure the Show went on.

He said that during intense discussions at Committee meetings, there would often be conflicting views but Michael always brought a fresh light on the subject from the back of the room.

Lord Anthony presented Mr. Murphy with a barometer as a gift on behalf of the Society.

The Fermanagh County Show will this year host a number of finals again with judges travelling from England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Three major finals, the Semex Dairy Cow of the Year Final, the Ulster Bank/NISA Pedigree Beef Cow Final and the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year will be hosted by the County Show.

Apart from the livestock section, the Society will be hoping for a major expansion of the home industries section and there is already additional space given to the Food Hall, this year sponsored by Fivemiletown Creamery and to include a local food festival.

The guest speaker at the Show launch was Richard Wright, of BBC Farm Gate who looked at the question, 'is there a future in farming.'

The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Mr. Bertie Kerr, also spoke.