DEAR SIR: On behalf of the Irish Shows Association, I wish to sincerely thank all who took part in our first ever virtual show last Saturday, 22 August.

What a day we had, with an eight hour live broadcast bringing all the fun and frolics of an agricultural show – albeit in a virtual way.

Along with results and commentary on the various competition categories, we had interviews, demonstrations, panel discussions, a celebrity chef cook-off, virtual trade stands and plenty of music to entertain people throughout the day.

Who could have envisaged this time last year, when we were in the height of the show season, that our only show this August would be online?

Shows rely on gate receipts and local sponsorship to run, so running behind closed doors would not be a viable option

The COVID-19 pandemic turned all of our lives upside-down. Initially, we were all hopeful that shows would be able to take place in the late summer, but by April, it became clear that it would not be possible.

Shows rely on gate receipts and local sponsorship to run, so running behind closed doors would not be a viable option and we had to prioritise the safety of our volunteers, exhibitors, and the general public.

This led us to recommend to our member shows that all activities should be cancelled for 2020. The decision was not taken lightly, but we needed to provide leadership and guidance to our members in the interest of public health.

Our attention then turned to our virtual show day and preparing a quality programme of entertainment.

Of course, an eight-hour live broadcast was a mammoth undertaking and was not without its technical glitches

We wish to thank all of the contributors, guest commentators, musical acts and our judges, all of whom gave their time for free to make the day a success. The former Minister for Agriculture was due to open the show, but circumstances changed on Friday and we are very grateful to Minister Martin Heyden TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, for stepping into the breach at very short notice.

Of course, an eight-hour live broadcast was a mammoth undertaking and was not without its technical glitches. I have never known a real show day to run 100% smoothly either, so it was an authentic experience.

Lastly, I wish to thank my fellow committee members, especially our secretary, Jim Harrison, president, Catherine Gallagher, vice-president, Bill Leeman and treasurer David Devane for the work they put in to make it all happen.

If you did not catch the show live last weekend, eight hours of content can be viewed at your leisure on our website (www.irishshows.org).