merrion street

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officially opened to-day the Virginia Agricultural show in Co. Cavan.

Minister McEntee said that Virginia show was one of the premier shows in the country, with more than 490 classes across a range of competitions. The Minister said “this is the 71st show, and attracts a large audience from the North East region and across the country. This show not only features some of Ireland’s finest livestock, but also has a wide selection of competitions for garden produce, home cooking, arts and crafts with a high standard of entries. The show has a number of coveted prizes in the livestock section including the Baileys champion cow, and Gunne Carnaross Mart All Ireland Weanling Championship. This is the 29th year of loyal sponsorship by Baileys and Glanbia Ingredients in Virginia for one of the most prestigious competitions for Holstein Friesian breeders in the country”.

The Minister commented that he was confident that with all stakeholders in the Agrifood sector working together, the target of increasing the value of exports from the industry to twelve billion euro by 2020 would be achieved, and that this would have a positive impact on family farm income. Minister McEntee welcomed the generous local sponsorship provided by a host of local sponsors, and also said “Virginia show has grown to become one of the largest shows in the country. This is due the hard work of the local organising committee under the President Sean Farrelly. The organisers have shown great initiative and enterprise again this year in the quality of the programme for the day”.

In conclusion, he took the opportunity of wishing the organizing committee, the exhibitors, the many visitors, and indeed everybody involved with the Virginia show an enjoyable day out.