The 200th anniversary of Killyleagh, Kilmood and Tullynakill Farming Society and launch of the 2016 Killyleagh Show took place recently at the Killyleagh Library at a talk on the history of the show by Robert Morrison and xxx.
The Killyleagh show take place at the Coily Hill Road starting at 9am on Saturday 30th April.
Killyleagh Show president Robert Morrison said: “It is a great privilege and indeed a responsibility to be President of the Society in its 200th year. It is with a sense of duty towards bygone generations who have created such a strong foundation that we organise the Killyleagh Show in this important year.
“I know we are only custodians of Killyleagh, Kilmood and Tullynakill Farming Society and I hope to pass on to the next generation a successful and vibrant society which can facilitate the rural community in taking pride in a way of life that was once so important.
“The Society was formed in 1816 in response to the need at that time to improve better farming practices and as such it is open of the oldest in its kind in the whole of Ireland. For many years the Society encourage good farming practice with prizes being awarded at annual shows for cattle, horses, sheep, butter and cheese making, best cultivated farms and cleanest and neatest cottages. The society was even interested din the sobriety and honesty of domestic servants.
“While the society continued to promote good farming practice, the focus shifts dot an annual gymkhana and show at the Killyleagh Showgrounds. This continued right up until 1975 when the costs of the Showgrounds brought the show in that venue to an end.
“Thankfully that was not the end of Killyleagh show and in 1995 the Show as we know it today was re-established. The Show continues to be an outstanding success with its horses and pony classes catering for all standards from those preparing for the Balmoral or Dublin shows right through to lead rein classes for children making their first appearances in showing.”
For bookings and information, contact Kate Gilmore, Events Officer, on:
07725830238.
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