One of the hidden gems at Tullamore Show is always the cookery tent. With Odlums as its main sponsor, this year’s cookery section will host the Odlums All-Ireland Home Baking Championship, featuring qualifiers coming from about 28 shows around the country, with the Odlums Youth All-Ireland a direct entry on the day.

On display will be a variety of mouthwatering cakes, tarts, buns, breads, novelty cupcakes and the intricate Coquette/Vintage cake. For those not so experienced in the kitchen, there will also be the convenience section using Odlums Quick Mixes.

Crafts and needlework will showcase from Lego creations, crafts and handwriting to knitting, crocheting, sewing and needlework, and the beautiful but tedious patchworks quilts.

Esther Lambe

The art and photography section will feature the finest displays and competitions for both young and old. Local artist Ester Lambe will have a stunning gallery on show in the centre of the marquee.

This talented lady began artistry when contemplating retirement, and has since developed from painting landscapes and still life to portraiture. Her studio, aptly named Lambe’s Lane Studio, Blueball, is now the centre of a busy artistic practice.

A painting by Esther Lambe.

Inspiration comes from many directions in Esther’s life. Recording and preserving memories of the local natural environment were priorities, but her work now is mainly portraiture where grandchildren, family and friends become subject matter.

Her preferred medium is oil, and she has created many paintings that are displayed internationally through commissioned and plein air work. She has also exhibited her work in venues locally and can be contacted on social media.

Her focus is also on encouraging those who would love to begin painting, to give it a go.

She is delighted to be given this opportunity to display her paintings and would encourage all those who paint to participate. Come visit the art and photography tent on show day and see if you can recognise any local celebrities.

Inventions

Similar to last year, the national inventions section is sure to uncover future entrepreneurs. With a prize fund of €2,000, from farming inventions to household gadgets, you are sure to find a gizmo to catch the eye.

There are approximately 15 entries in the different classes, with the added attraction this year of the Vex Robotics showcasing the world champions from the local Sacred Heart School. Coláiste Choilm Secondary School will also join forces exhibiting their creations.

A new addition to the agenda this year is the VEX Robotics class.

With judging taking place on Saturday 9 August at 10am, there are several categories, with an overall champion.

  • Inventions in renewable energy.
  • Inventions in home, leisure and building.
  • Labour-saving devices.
  • Student class: an invention or innovation.
  • Invention in ag-tech.
  • Inventions that are “too big to travel”.
  • VEX Robotics: create/design a functioning VEX Robot and demonstrate its usefulness.
  • Supreme champion: overall champion invention.

    • Horticulture

    The Horticulture and Farm Produce marquee at the Tullamore Show is always a spectacular attraction, both visually and competitively with exhibitors from all over the country.

    It has an all-Ireland vibe from the start with produce of such a high quality that only the best feel qualified to compete.

    The four all-Ireland categories are:

  • Quality potato championship.
  • All-Ireland kitchen garden 7-a-day.
  • All-Ireland tray of vegetables.
  • All-Ireland single rose.

    • A new addition to the lineup this year is the children’s floral art class, titled “Wild in a Cup & Saucer”, which is sure to deliver some creative pieces.

    You can’t but stand and look in awe at the mind-blowing creations that appear in the Floral Art section.

    The time it takes to assemble these is phenomenal, with exhibitors working late on the eve of the show to get their masterpieces complete. Expect a delicious array of farm produce, not to mention the honey section which is always very well supported.

    Poultry

    Boasting its largest number of entries in the history of Tullamore Show is the Poultry section.

    From the Bantan fowl to the large turkey hens and cocks, all displaying the most beautiful plumage, many of which will have attended the beauty parlour prior to the competitions on the morning.

    You can be sure they will be in full cackling form throughout the day so the sound decibels might be rather high.

    But what a wonderful marquee to walk around and view the beautiful species with their feathered plumes.