The last weekend in August is always a bittersweet one for me. It marks the very end of the summer fun before the boy returns to school, but it also plays host to my most favourite show of the year.

Moate Agricultural Show is a special and timeless event – you could just as easily be in 1985 as 2023. The show always has the most pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, due in no small part to secretary Colin Doyle and his fantastic team.

There is something for everyone on the day, whether you are a competitor or a spectator.

Rather boggy

This year proved to be particularly challenging, with the weather unleashing its worst in the run up to the show. The lorry and trailer parking rapidly began to resemble a ploughed field, but very quickly a fleet of tractors came to the rescue to keep things moving.

The main pedestrian area of the show became rather boggy, but it didn’t deter anyone. The crowds still came for the day out, and much fun was had by all.

Local talent

The horticulture, art, and cookery tents are always a real treat at Moate Show, with an abundance of local talent on display. Whilst admiring some paintings, I bumped into my friend Mary Dooner.

Mary, her father Michael and daughter Laura have enjoyed a stellar showing season in 2023, with the Sligo Candy Boy foal ‘Candy Kingdom’.

This lovely colt has swept all before him, and his victory streak has included wins at Clarecastle, Longford and Moate shows, and at the RDS. During the week, the Flying The Flag Facebook page asked Mary how many years Michael has been attending Moate show. The answer was 78. That’s how you know it is a truly great show.

Joyous animal

The return to school was a sombre affair, and it felt a bit like sending a temporarily feral and joyous animal back into captivity. Which I suppose is quite accurate, if you are the boy.

We are aiming for one last horsey hurrah together this weekend at Eadestown Field Day, which is held at Punchestown Racecourse.

The lure of a book stall and a tombola was enough for me, and the boy seems to be looking forward to showcasing his “accident and emergency” fancy dress rig-out again.

The forecast is apparently thinking about playing ball for the first time since the end of June, so we are keeping our fingers crossed.