Countdown is underway for 181st Omagh Show

IT’S all systems go in preparation for the 181st Omagh Show which takes place on Saturday, July 1, with equestrian competition getting underway the previous day.

To officially launch local farming’s big day out, event organisers, the Tyrone Farming Society, held a sponsors’ reception at the Glenpark Estate on Wednesday night.

Among the guests in attendance was Ulster Farmers’ Union president, David Brown and the newly-elected chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Thomas O’Reilly.

In welcoming the 200 or so guests, Society chairman Gerard McFarland thanked all those who put their shoulder to the wheel in making the agricultural extravaganza happen year after year.

Mr McFarland said the show simply wouldn’t exist without the generous contribution of sponsors and the efforts of a dedicated band of volunteers.

In his address, FODC chair Cllr O’Reilly referenced the fact that 2023 was show number 181.

“The fact the show has been running for 181 years should give you confidence in the way you are doing things,” he said.

“I have no doubt that this year will be every bit as good as any other year.

“Running something as long as that shows the motivation and determination of the people working behind the scenes.

“The show allows the farming community to showcase their livestock, meet fellow members of the sector and also gives businesses the opportunity to display their products and services.

“We shouldn’t forget the contribution farming life makes to local communities, and, from an economic point of view, we all know farmers keep circulating their money. The agriculture sector is a key part of our economy.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is once again very pleased to be a partner for Omagh and we will be taking a stand at the show to show out commitment and support to the agriculture sector and rural communities.”

UFU president Mr Brown said consumers and government should never take for granted the important role of farmers in feeding the nation and looking after the countryside.

“In the early fifties after the war consumers were spending between 35 to 40 per-cent of their income on food; pre-Covid that was less than ten per-cent,” he said.

“We have a consumer that perhaps takes for granted some of the food we produce; we have a government that certainly does, given some of the trade deals they have pursued.

“The one thing that inspires me in my role as president is going around the various shows. Omagh had one of the best shows last year and may the sun shine on you all in 2023 as well.”