Waterford's 106th Dungarvan Show attracts massive crowds to Ballygagin
Winning produce at Dungarvan Show.
The 106th running of Dungarvan Show took place over the weekend in Dungarvan.
Kicking off in Ballygagin, families were warmly welcomed to enjoy a full day of activities and exhibits.
The Home Industries section attracted a huge entry in all sections, which included classes for Juniors and Adults.
The different sections included Flower Arranging/Cut Flowers, Potted Plants, Fruit and Vegetables, Eggs, Homemade Jams, Homemade Cakes and Pastries, Crafts, Art and Photography.
Across the grounds of the show, hundreds of guests enjoyed a day of animal classes, showjumping, a packed Tented Village, live music, food and trade stands, and fun for all ages.
The equine classes at Dungarvan Show have always attracted quality horses and many winners have gone on to attain success at the renowned Dublin Horse Show.
Sheep classes at the show once again have extended to include Shearling Ram, Children’s Classes and much more.
Furry friends were also invited to attend and compete in fun categories, including best trick, fancy dress, naughtiest dog and dog the judge would most like to take home.
In the home industries stand, judges rated arts, crafts, food, flowers and more.
Live music and jive dancing, delicious food stops, and the Talamh Wellness tent also appeared this year, ensuring there was something for everyone.
The annual show is an opportunity for the agricultural and rural communities of Waterford to come together.
Speaking at the show, Minister of State Mary Butler TD said that such shows are vital to rural life.
"I think agricultural shows are the backbone of rural communities across Ireland and the Dungarvan Show is a really special show. We're really lucky with the weather today because it has been extremely warm, which everybody is loving.
"There's been great crowds here today, a great atmosphere and people are in good form.
"I'm here parked beside the showjumping, which I absolutely love watching and we saw the ladies earlier with their dressage and it's fantastic.
"The agricultural community is very much the backbone of the country and they're very good to support each other."
Speaking on her highlights of the day, Minister Butler added, "I visited the Alzheimer's Society here and the Samaritans. I also visited stalls where people have all their best produce on display, from cooking to baking, colouring and competitions. There's something for everyone, which is really great."
Dungarvan native Deputy Conor McGuinness added that the show had something for everyone.
"The Dungarvan Show is a really important gathering point for people, not just in Dungarvan and the surrounding areas, but from all across county Waterford.
"Rural communities from each side of the county are coming here today to Ballygagin and it’s a really good family day out, lovely atmosphere, really laid back, with lots to see and do.
"It’s a celebration of rural life and rural living and there's a lot of business that goes on here as well. The commercial side here is fantastic, between machinery, livestock and more."
Deputy McGuinness added that the show offered a chance for rural communities to not only enjoy themselves, but also to share important ideas and discuss issues they are facing.
"We’re here today talking to rural dwellers and that’s really important. Investment in transport infrastructure, local link services, rural roads and also critically the issue of housing are pressing issues in rural communities, and at events like this we get to discuss these issues.
"So it’s a beautiful sunny day, a family fun day with the merry-go-rounds and the animals which the kids love, and also there's people here who are really engaged and want to talk about the political issues that are impacting on their lives in rural Waterford."
