Following an absence since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Clogher Valley Show returned with a normal programme of events this week.

A reception for judges and stewards was held on Tuesday evening in the showgrounds, attended by a number of guests including the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Cora Corry, and Deputy Chair, Councillor Frances Burton, who represents the Clogher Valley area.

Councillor Burton, who lives on their farm near Aughnacloy with her husband, Roger, explained that this was her third term as Deputy Chair since becoming a councillor in 2005, and she was enjoying the role, especially carrying out functions in her own region.

She praised the success of Clogher Valley Show, bringing many visitors into the area and also bringing more business to the local hotels, B&Bs and businesses.

Councillor Burton and her husband, Roger, run a beef farm with poultry and they realise the importance of rural businesses.

Another guest was David Brown, President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union from Florencecourt, who officially opened the Glanbia Food Hall.

He said it was great for the show scene to get back again, and to see so many people keen to get out to meet friends again.

Mr. Brown spoke about changes in society and in agriculture, and he sent his best wishes to the organisers of Clogher Valley Show for another successful one-day event.

Among those attending the event were judges who have travelled from around the British Isles to make decisions in the livestock and equestrian showrings.

Also attending was Christine Adams, in her first term as President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, accompanied by her husband, Edwin.

From a farm near Coleraine, Mrs. Adams explained how the Clogher Valley Show was their eighth to attend this year, and she praised the hospitality shown to them everywhere they have gone.

They were just back from attending the Royal Welsh Show held last week – another great event for that rural area of Wales.

Although retired from active farming, the Adams support their son, John, and grandson, Ryan, on the beef and sheep farm.

Ryan is following in his grandfather’s footsteps in sheep shearing circles, having won one of the major competitions at the Balmoral Show this year.

During the speeches, Clogher Valley Show Chairman, Nicholas Lowry, welcomed everyone to the 102nd show and said the Food Hall had been one of the most successful events in their programme over the past 27 years.

This year, 26 food-related trade stands featured their produce in the Food Hall, and Chef Adrian would be leading cookery demonstrations and also helping with the junior and senior cookery competitions.

He said this year’s Show had 15 Championships and 21 IFA qualifiers for All-Ireland competitions.

He also referred to the loss of a number of people associated with Clogher Valley Show during the absence of the Show, and said they had at least 150 years of experience between them.

The Show had, in memory of his father, Captain Robert Lowry, awarded a bursary this year, and this was won by Erin Marlow, a CAFRE student on the Sustainability in Agriculture course. 

Guests were entertained to a barbecue served by Lorraine Allen and her staff from the Clogher Mart restaurant.