It’s exactly 100 years since the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society was established by Department of Agriculture officials and farmers from the region, to improve the quality of livestock breeding in the northwest of Ireland. Since then, not only has its headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon become the showcase for all breeds of pedigree livestock, but the showgrounds stand as the venue where the very best of Ireland’s commercial livestock are exhibited, through the now famous Carrick Winter Fair.
Given its growing reputation, you can be assured of a packed ringside and bustling showgrounds over the course of the two weekends.
But society secretary Lourda McGowan believes the Winter Fair brings so much more to the area and the local economy.
“The Carrick Winter Fair really has become a remarkable success story, not just for the society, but for the town as well. This year will see exhibitors travel from 23 of the 26 counties for the two events, bringing a real buzz and atmosphere to Carrick town, with the local economy benefitting greatly.”
Sponsors
Society president Norman Little heaped praise and gratitude towards the event sponsors and volunteers.
“I would like to acknowledge the many people who assist the society in hosting events and particularly the volunteers who do so much work to ensure the smooth running of the Carrick Winter Fair.
“The society is deeply indebted to its many loyal and generous sponsors, without whom the whole event would not happen.”
Monday 16 November will see all senior cattle and weanling bulls take to the ring, with the show kicking off at 9am, followed by the sale at 12.30pm.
Entries for the first weekend have increased from last year, with an incredible 51 entries in the Belgian Blue heifer class, 42 in the open breeding heifer class and 26 in the Limousin breeding heifer class, meaning judges Clive Hoey and Gene McCann will have a busy morning indeed.
Second weekend
The fact that entries for the much-anticipated weanling heifer show and sale on Sunday 22 and Monday 23 November reached its limit just hours after opening means spectators are guaranteed a wonderful display of cattle from all over Ireland over the course of the two days.
As a result of the record-breaking entries, some of the classes will have to be split based on weight.
“Due to the high numbers, the two Belgian Blue heifer classes and the Limousin under 400kg class will be divided according to weights on the day, giving judges Andrew Ireland from Scotland and Paul Tippett from England much to think about,” said Lourda.
Another major attraction at the Carrick Winter Fair is the young handler classes, which will take place on Sunday 22 November. Lourda says the society puts a lot of emphasis on encouraging youth into livestock breeding.
“Of course the second weekend begins with our young stockperson classes, which the society sponsors itself, as it realises the importance of promoting and encouraging the younger generation.”
These classes will be judged by Isabella and Rebecca Flanagan from Strokestown in Co Roscommon.
Sunday 22 November promises to be quite the spectacle, with the three major championships sponsored by AI companies, Dovea Genetics, Progressive Genetics and Munster Bovine, and Elite Pedigree Genetics all taking place. Judging will begin on Sunday 22 November at 10am, with the sale getting underway on Monday 23 November at 10.30am.
Get registered
Bidding both weekends will be ringside and online through MartBids. According to Lourda, it is imperative buyers who intend to bid online register straight away.
“In order to bid online, it is vital that buyers register with MartBids for Midland and Western sales as soon as possible, as we will not be able to take registrations on either sale days.”
