Showing

Susan Finnerty

For the first time since 2001, when the foot-and-mouth outbreak then caused its cancellation, Ballinasloe Agricultural Show will not take place this year.

However, the five ISA All-Ireland finals, plus the opening Martin Conneely championship (starting at 9am sharp), will be held instead in the showgrounds this Saturday, 24 September.

The decision to cancel this year’s show was made due to security concerns arising from last year’s protest at the horse fair over the non-provision of a trotting lane, due to insurance issues. While the fair and festival committee had also initially decided not to run its lunging classes, these will now go ahead. This decision was made last Friday after Galway County Council agreed to provide an area for sulkies. The horse fair starts on Sunday, 2 October and for full details of this year’s events see www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com or contact Ciara 087 6555631