Press Release 2011
70th Virginia Show
Saturday 30th July
Earlier this year, the Society was delighted to have President of Ireland Mary McAleese spent time with the members and their friends to celebrate the achievements of the last 70 years. She encouraged all the members to keep up the tradition and the good work and congratulated them on having a vision for the future development of the Society.
So for the 70th time, Virginia Show has invited exhibitors and visitors from the four corners of Ireland and beyond to come to Virginia on Saturday 30 July. Virginia will be alive with all the sights and sounds associated with the summer on Saturday. A day for everyone, the serious business of over 450 classes happens alongside food markets, children’s amusements, trade stands, Bonny Babies and the hustle bustle of a great day out.
Agricultural Highlights
In an Ireland of increased awareness of food traceability, Virginia Show allows you to see the high standards of the Irish dairy, beef, and sheep industries. Agriculture is one of the few sectors of the economy with growth; Virginia Show is an important agricultural event attracting leading national competitions and exhibitors from the 32 counties.
Highlights of the day include the Baileys Champion €9000 Dairy Cow Competition, Gunne Carnaross Mart All-Ireland €2000, Male/Female Weanling Champion, Liffey Meats €2000 Champion Beef Bullock, and the Glanbia Virginia €700 Friesian In-calf-Heifer. Lakeland Dairy Champion of the Show, Francie Brady Charolais Champion of the Show, A.W. Ennis Interbreed Champion of the Show, Lisgrey House Restaurant Commercial Champion of the show, Fleetwood Pairs of the Show, and North Eastern Club Simmental Championship and the North Eastern Charolais Club Championships.
Qualifiers to Finals at other Shows
Sport Horse Foal All- Ireland Championship, Nissan Irish Draught Colt Foal Championship, The All-Ireland Donkey Mare & Foal Championship, The All-Ireland Suckler Heifer Championship, Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Championship, The Connacht Gold Feeds All Ireland Beef Bullock Championship, The Odlums All-Ireland Home Cooking Championship, The Bord Bia All-Ireland Quality Potato Championship, The All-Ireland Female Bantam Chicken Championship Final, The Oldcastle All Ireland Amateur Painting Competition, The Gain Dog Food All Ireland Championship, The All-Ireland Gun Dog Championship, Bridge House Collection of Vegetables
Neven Maguire
Get there early to claim a seat at the always popular food demonstrations. Use this opportunity to see celebrity chef Neven Maguire cooking up a storm with locally produce. This very popular Chef, Neven trained in some of the highest profile restaurants in the world and he has now turned a local restaurant into a national phenomenon. Located in the rural village of Blacklion in Co. Cavan, MacNean House and Restaurant has become one of the most talked about and frequented restaurants in the country.
Neven is to cook up a steak from Leo McEnroe’s Pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd which can be spotted grazing on the side of beautiful Bruise Hill, along the N3 on the Cavan Meath border. Another steak will be supplied by Ollie Stanley whose pride and joy are Commercial Belgian Blues. Ollie is organising steak for Neven from the majestic double muscled Belgian blues. It will be interesting to compare the two diverse steaks.
Two Sheridan’s Workshops: 1. Raw Milk, Butter, Cheese. 2: Kids Workshop: Pizzas from Scratch
Sheridan’s cheesemongers are both retailers and wholesalers of quality Irish and other European foods. They are committed to sourcing excellent quality artisan products and where possible forging links directly with the food producers themselves. They will hold a workshop on Raw Milk, Butter and Cheese. The heat!! is on raw milk at present with the attempt to ban the sale of raw milk from this Autumn, so this workshop will give much food for thought.
The second workshop will be hosted by Pauric White from the Forge Restaurant who has a very simple philosophy which has seen the business grow from strength to strength since it first opened in October 2000. The use of fresh local produce incorporated into traditional tried and tested dishes with a few twists has made the Forge Restaurant very popular for all occasions. Pauric will involve kids in learning to cook especially pizzas from scratch.
As well as this, food markets and trade stands allow you to interact, ask questions, and discuss what you need with those involved in all sorts of production.
Of course this is not the end of the competitions. There are also a number of finals; McEvoys SuperValu ICA €500 Guild Skills of the Year, will recall 100 years ago when the McEvoy family set up in Virginia. The guilds are asked to research the cost of food 100 years ago.
Ireland’s finest dairy cow to be crowned Champion
With a renewed commitment from its long-standing sponsors Baileys Irish Cream and Glanbia Ingredients, the ever-popular Baileys® Irish Champion Dairy Cow Competition prize fund has been increased to €9,000. The winning breeder will receive a cheque for €2,000 along with the Virginia Milk Products Cup whilst €650 will go to the breeder of the Reserve Champion. Other awards will be presented for Highest Protein Content, Best EBI, Best Exhibitor-Bred Cow and Best Heifer in Milk. The competition commences at 3.30pm in the main parade ring when this year’s international judge, Iwan Morgan who is from Wales, will be on the look-out for a “balanced dairy cow with that extra bit of breeding excellence.”
The competition is confined to pedigree Holstein/Friesian cows, who have produced 500 kgs of fat and protein in a 305 day lactation which commenced on or after 30th July 2009 and recorded under I.C.B.F. or other recognised milk recording agencies. Heifer in Milk Awards are confined to H/F Heifers in first year of lactation having calved once. Having achieved the qualifying production standard of 500 kgs of fat and protein, the cows will be judged on appearance only in the final.
The winning cow will join the upper echelons of the Holstein Friesian breed in Ireland alongside previous winners that have included Dublin breeder, Cyril Dowling’s Baldonnel herd to the Vixan cow family owned by Tim & John Kirby of Co. Kerry. Log into Facebook | Virginia Show.
Liffey Meats €2,000 Champion Beef Bullock
The drawing power of Virginia Show as the number one venue for the exhibitors of top quality commercial cattle is once again borne out by the large entry to the Liffey Meats €2,000 Champion Beef Bullock Competition each year. Entries are confined to Beef Bullocks with not more than four permanent teeth. This reflects current market trends with attention focused on conformation rather than sheer size. Liffey Meats contribution gives an added boost to the show. It provides an incentive for farmers to produce quality beef cattle necessary for the lucrative European Market who pays a higher price for quality beef.
Gunne Carnaross Mart €2,000 Champion Male/Female weanling Champions of the Show
Another competitive display of high quality animals is the competition to find the champion non-pedigree male and female weanling of the show. Sponsored by Gunne Carnaross Mart, these classes are opened to calves born in 2011. Maximum weight male is 400 kgs and female calf is 350 kgs.
North Eastern Club Simmental Championship
For Simmental cattle breeders there is plenty on offer with the highlight being the finals of the North East Simmental Championship. The wealth of top stock the length and breath of the NE area of the country are attracted to our east Cavan town for the Final. They will compete for the John Morton Memorial Cup.
North Eastern Charolais Club Championships
The North Eastern Charolais Club are holding the North Eastern Charolais Club Junior Championships at Virginia show this year. There are five classes with €200 worth of prize money in each class. Exhibitors are limited to counties Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Louth, and Dublin.
Also at the Show
Classes will be available for a wide variety of tried and trusted cattle breeds including Holstein Friesians, Shorthorns, Herefords, Aberdeen Angus, Aubracs, Charolais, Limousins, Salers, Simmentals, Belgian Blues and all commercial cattle. Visitors to the show will have an opportunity to talk to the owners of all these breeds and discuss their merits for the future production to feed world markets. Breed Societies are available to discuss traits with the potential users. Commercial champion of the Show, sponsored by Lisgrey House, will receive the Jack Love Cup while the A W Ennis Interbreed Champion will also be selected.
Novice and Young Stockpersons
The young stockpersons finals in beef, sheep and dairy are always very popular events at Virginia Show. Open to young people between the ages of 12 and 16 years, they are judged on their ability to prepare the animal for judging and general knowledge of the breed of the animal itself. They are also examined on the animals’ nutritional requirements whilst being prepared, ability to handle and present the animal in the show ring and knowledge of the animal. Virginia has also a unique Novice Competition and entrants can be any age, so long as they have not showing before.
Horses & Ponies
Virginia Show offers the opportunity to get a close view of the best animals being raised in the country at the present time, with the last years’ entries in the showing classes receiving high praise from the judges. There are classes for Brood Mares, Light horses, coloured entries and Ridden Hunters. The Heavy Horse and Clydesdales classes show some of the finest in Ireland. All equine are catered for from the giant Clydesdales to the miniature horse of 42”. There are class for ridden and in hand showing of ponies there is an expanded Connemara and Shetland classes, as well as Welsh ponies. The Donkey qualifier always attracts attention.
Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Eggs, Farm & Garden Produce
This year the sheep at Virginia Show will be competing for the Hugh Faulkner Cup for the Champion Crossbred Sheep, pedigree sheep breeders will be competing for the Patrick Keoghan Cup. The Riverfront Hotel presents the champion sheep of the show. Sheep stockperson competition for under 16’s and a competition for pet lambs will take place at the show this year.
Prize money to a total value of over €2000 will be awarded in sheep categories along with a large number of product prizes. Categories of sheep this year include Suffolk’s, Texel’s, Charolais, Vendeens, Cross-Breeds and Flocks.
Goats, poultry, eggs and farm & garden produce are expected to receive a high number of entries with total prize money of over €1500 on offer in this area of competition. It is hoped that this year will see more entries in potato or carrot sections and that plenty of entries for turf, hay, grazing grass and maize competitions will be seen.
McEvoy’s Supervalu, Virginia €500 ICA Guild Skills of the Year Competition
The popular ICA Guild Skills of the Year Competition again takes on a theme to celebrate 100 years. The McEvoys SuperValu ICA €500 Guild Skills of the Year, will recall 100 years ago when the McEvoy family set up in Virginia. The guilds are asked to research the cost of food 100 years ago. Entrepreneurship will come into focus when guilds are asked to create an item to generate extra income for a household.
Home Industries
Does your family salivate for your brown bread? Why not try your hand in this year’s class. Home industry classes include sections in bread and cakes, jam, wine, needlework and craftwork. More and more people are going back to baking and cooking, and we know the skills have never been lost by many people, so come and see the competition. Next year it could be you!
Allotments; how is your garden growing?
The new found interest in vegetable growing is been rewarded with a generous sponsorship for a new class at the show. Produce can be taken from your allotment, own garden or even your pot outside the door so make sure to enter. Pergola Garden Centre, sponsors of this competition.
Fruit and Flowers / Arts
With the abundance of fruit & flowers, many people are caring for their precious gardens and we hope to see the fruit of their labours on the 30th July. Handwriting, calligraphy, photography and painting are four categories, which are always well supported, and prize money will be awarded in competitions to suit everyone. This year the Show committee is awarding €30 and a trophy for the best overall photograph
Children’s classes
Children are not forgotten and will be excited to see classes from painting and poetry to wild flower arranging and handwriting. There classes for decorating the wooden spoon or the wellington boot. Prize money is available for all winners.
RSA
The Road Safety Authority is bringing their interactive road show to Virginia, which should be of interest to all age groups, especially young people who can test their driving skills. In addition to last year there is a simulator which will give a realistic feel for what can happen.
Cavan Canoeing
Cavan Canoeing are providing Canoe lessons to show how the lake can be utilised, so a change of clothes might be appropriate. Lough Ramor is one of 365 lakes in Co Cavan and has 32 islands dotted throughout the lake.
Food and Crafts Country Markets Fair
The indoor country markets are giving a showcase to small food and craft producers ranging from jewellery to sauces and chutneys. Bring your shopping bags and take home organic, free range and homemade products from the main hall. The selections of stalls are always fantastic and offer “off farm” food produce and handmade crafts that are produced locally. Fresh foods are becoming more important in this fast paced world, the Show Society are proud to give the public an opportunity to meet and talk with local food producers. The selections of stalls will be fantastic and will offer farm food produce. All will be available for sale.
Music Gig Rig
Your toes will be tapping with an afternoon Sessions with Irish dancing, Line Dancing, Singing and music. Be sure to go to hear these wonderful talents!
Northern Sound Radio will once again broadcast from the show on with Charlie McGettigan who will sing and talk with special guests in the morning.
Dogs and other pets
There are thirteen classes available for all varieties of dogs as well as the Champion Dog of the Show kindly sponsored by Skelly Oils. Classes are available for other pets. Also two qualifying classes for the Gain Dog Food All Ireland Championship and one qualifier for the All Ireland Cocker Spaniel Championship sponsored by McGrath Dog food. There is also a special section for pets other than dogs.
Cavan Community Road Show
Cavan Community Forum is hosting the Community Road Show at the Virginia Show They will celebrate their activities as volunteers and promote the work done. The winning exhibition will be awarded the Ann Tully Perpetual Trophy.
Bonny babies, Farmer Boy, Little Miss Virginia, Little Master Virginia, the trendiest teenager, Glamorous Gran, most appropriate dressed person, will take place at Virginia Show for the first time. With the increase in population in this part of Cavan, we were asked to facilitate other interests and be inclusive of all ages and interests.
Recording old field Names.
Virginia Show Society is asking people to think about the old names that were on fields during their childhood. Some of those fields no longer exist as field sizes increased and many more are now included in grassland management as paddock 1,2 3 etc. If we don’t record these and their meaning they will be lost forever. We have organised a dedicated area beside the Community Forum groups where one can talk with our recorders, so think about the old names and names of fields belonging to neighbours who have passed away and have no one to remember them.
Conclusion
The Show takes place on its own grounds along the shores of Lough Ramor adjacent to Virginia College in a town that was once known as the ‘Killarney of the North’. The Show is continuously developing to incorporate the traditional rural farming enterprises with the new vibrant diverse community that has grown in the North East area. Keep up to date with the results and last minute information as Virginia Show is on Facebook and twitter. There are also links to our prize list online and plenty of information for those planning to attend the days events.
Further information from the Show Office 049 8547197. Fax 049 8548308 email virginiashow@eircom.net or just download from the Society’s web page www.virginiashow.com or join us on Facebook and Twitter.
Kathleen Duffy
Press Officer.046 9245981 / 087 2703618 email kathleenduffy@eircom.net
Skype Virginia.farm