68th Royal Trim Show ready to roll

The young pretenders will be taking on the agricultural veterans on Sunday next when Macra na Feirme members take on the Irish Farmers" Association in farm skills competitions at the Royal Meath Agricultural Show in Trim. There will be competitions in tractor and fencing skills and stock-judging, while Macra is organising an alternative fashion show - displaying wares made from recycled materials; MEP and former agri-journalist Mairead McGuinness is judging this competition. The 68th annual Royal Meath Show takes place at the Porchfields, Trim, on Sunday, with an increase in entries across all classes. A new event at the show, a family sports and fun day, will provide entertainment for the younger attendees, with races for all ages and categories, egg and spoon, sack and wheelbarrow races and tug-o-war. A highlight of the cattle class is the Leinster Perpetual Provincial Trophy, presented by the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association, for the best pedigree Aberdeen Angus. Rosemary Swan, chairperson of the Royal Meath Show, says that there has been a huge increase in entries in the animal classes. Cattle sections include Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Commercial Cattle, and dairy classes include Holstein Friesians, Shorthorn, Simmental, and Belgian Blue. In the sheep section, there are pedigree categories for Suffolk, Texel, Hampshire Down, Charolais, Vendeen, Jacob. The goat section is proving extremely popular, with around 70 entries, and the horse classes are all ridden classes this year. Main sponsors of this year"s show are Stanley Macadam and Carnaross Mart, along with others. The Christopher Donegan Trophy will be presented in the Young Stockpersons Competition. The main marquee will host the home industries section where farm produce, vegetables, fruit, flowers, cakes and crafts will be on display for the judges and public alike. Also at the Porchfields will be trade stands, a funfair and bouncy castles, live country and western music, miniature ponies on display, a baby show and 'Little Miss and Master Trim", as well as the ever popular dog show. There will be a pets corner, vintage and farm machinery, photographic displays and showjumping.