MOATE Show chairman Michael Scott had a busy week with both the launch of his local show last Thursday and then a family wedding on Saturday when his and wife Heather’s daughter Susan married Patrick Grinter.

Celebrating its 181st anniversary in 2024, Moate Show takes place on Sunday, August 25th. Thanking their all-important sponsors and his hard-working committee, Michael acknowledged the land owners, particularly after last summer’s rainfall.

“We wouldn’t have a show without our land owners either. We must look after them and respect their wishes about their land.”

The Irish Horse World contributor Susan Finnerty was the special guest and spoke about her Moate highlights, both as an exhibitor and commentator for the A. Browne All-Ireland filly foal final.

“You are conscious that you parachute in for the day to take pretty pictures and write 1,000 words but that the hard work has been done for months in advance by the committee,” said Susan who has notched up 20 years of show reports for both The Irish Field and the Irish Farmers Journal.

“And you would ask why do volunteers give up their time? Maybe, and to paraphrase President Biden’s speech last night when he said, ‘I revere this office but I love my country more,’ could it be that, ‘I’m proud of our show but I’m even prouder of my community?”

Community spirit and volunteers were also highlighted by Irish Shows Association (ISA) president Ray Brady whose local show, Arva, took place last Sunday.

“Last year was difficult for Moate with the weather but there was a great crowd by the afternoon. It’s a very homely show, not the biggest show in the country and definitely not the smallest, but it’s always very friendly.”

“I think that’s something that’s not just unique to Moate but is unique to shows and communities nationally. Making a difference in your local town, in your community, is what keeps rural Ireland vibrant.”

“Moate is a vibrant town, there seems to be a very strong community here and people from neighbouring parishes and counties pull together to have a successful event. You can see it on the day of the show.”

Paula Loughran, ISA Midlands region chairperson, will also have her local show Tydavnet (Saturday, August 17th) over by Moate. “It’s very important that each show holds on to their individuality. Yes, you have the same classes but we’re all individual.”

“Any show would agree that you can’t run your show without your volunteers. To me, they’re the backbone of the week leading up to the show, on show day and afterwards. I think it’s very important that we mind them, that we respect them and we give them the thanks and gratitude that they richly deserve.”