merrion street

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Tom Hayes T.D officially opened the annual Ossory Agricultural show today in Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

Minister Hayes complimented the show organisers on a huge range of competitions and events taking place during the day. He said ‘It is a remarkable testimony to the spirit of volunteerism that has seen generations of community members sustain this longstanding Show and build it into one of the most significant and most successful in the region’

The Minister noted that ‘Ossory show is a unique family day out, in a lovely part of the country offering the visitor the chance to see some of the finest livestock around but also see a range of other activities from home baking to arts and crafts. Competitors have come from Laois and surrounding counties to win a coveted cup or prize in their chosen field of expertise and I am delighted to see such a high standard in all competitions.

The Minister added “Healthy vibrant competition in livestock and in a range of country pursuits encourages higher standards of quality, and generates a great community spirit. My compliments to the organisers again this year for their voluntary input to making the show such a successful event’.

The Minister stressed the importance of the Agri-food sector as a driver of economic recovery and added that in that regard the focus must be on achieving the targets outlined in the Food Harvest 2020 Report.

The Minister concluded by wishing the organizing committee, the exhibitors, the sponsors, the many visitors, and indeed everybody involved with the Ossory show an enjoyable day out.