TC/0801

Irish Shows Association supports Omagh Fund

THE national chairman of the Irish Shows Association, Mr. Jim Stanley, said he had been shocked and appalled by the Omagh bombing of August 15. He was speaking at the association's annual meeting in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen.
Mr. Stanley also then presented a cheque for £500 to Mr. Allan Rainey, vice-chairman of Omagh District Council, for the Omagh Fund.
Over 100 people attended the event, which was officially opened by the vice-chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Mr. Davy Kettyles.
Mr. Stanley was re-elected as chairman for the second year, while Mr. Frank McClure, of Annoy (Ballymoney Show) was elected to the Board in place of Mr. James Taylor, Portglenone.
Four board members - Derek Rathwell, Ted Sheehan, Paddy Welsh and James Taylor retired. Mr. Stanley said the Irish Shows Association had always been proud of the strong bond it had with the northern region of the association.
Documenting the association's achievements over the previous year, Mr. Stanley said that while visiting shows he was very impressed with the huge interest shown in classes confined to the local community and parish in catering for interests in their own area.
"The majority of shows this year had a wet day, but it did not dampen their spirits. In general I think shows have improved, and this is very heartening," he said.
He said the various championships had gone well with good entries in the majority of them.
Speaking about safety at shows, Mr. Stanley said that it was only with the co-operation of shows to continue being vigilant and by having safety a priority at all times, that the association could hope to keep insurance premiums down.
"In the south east region a seminar was held on safety at shows. The speaker was asked to put together some points on safety that might be helpful to all shows, and these points can be posted out at a later date," he said.
He thanked all the board members, the national secretary, Mary Houlihan, and the national treasurer, Martin Hannon, for their help and support.
The national secretary, Mary Houlihan, explained that the association had been awarded £3,000 towards a feasibility study which would explore the development potential of agricultural shows in the border counties, and identify areas of potential cross border co-operation and reconciliation.
"I would like to thank Jack Willis for his hard work and determination in trying to get this project put into place, also to Ann McDermott, without whom it could not have happened," she said.
The annual meeting was followed by a dinner, later that evening, which was attended by 200 people, when the guest speaker was Mr. Roy McClenaghan, chief officer with the Department of Agriculture.
Fermanagh District Council gave financial support to the meeting, while Dungannon District Council sponsored a tour for the visiting ladies to Tyrone Crystal and Suitor's Gallery, Ballygawley.