Coordinated by Fachtna McCarthy, a new book by members of Clonakilty Show Society traces the event from its origins in 1901 to the present day.

Patrick Beechinor of Rossmore with his shorthorn cow Beauty. She was judged the best Shorthorn heifer in the Irish Free state in 1928. In her first lactation she milked for 45 week and yielded 11,448lbs of milk at 3.98% butter fat.

It’s a must read for those interested in how agricultural and rural society has evolved. I spotted surnames such as Appelbe and Wycherley, families still synonymous with national cattle breeding today.

Padraig Hayes leading his cow through Clonakilty town as part of the celebrations of the 100th hosting of the local agricultural show. For the first 50 years or so exhibitors arriving in Clonakilty railway station followed the same route to the showgrounds.

If there’s another lockdown ahead, this read could pass the time.

Large crowds watching the showjumping at Clonakilty show in 1968.