SOMETIMES best-laid plans can be derailed in the most pleasant way possible. A visit down to Newcastle West to see the town’s agricultural show site, somehow turned into a Discover Limerick trail around the yards and homes of some of the county’s countless characters.

Tour guide for this West Limerick whistle-stop tour is Liam Ruttle, a gentleman who spins many plates, including his involvement with Newcastle West show. In the past, the show’s July date clashed with Louisburgh and so there has always been an amicable understanding by this Limerick fixture that nothing ousts Louisburgh from the calendar.