Great weekend in store as 107th Ballymoney Show launches

A large turnout of sponsors, local business representatives, show officials and our 3 local YFC clubs were all in attendance to hear what would be happening at this year’s show on June 6th and 7th.

The sunny evening, and the breathtaking backdrop of the grounds at Lissanoure Castle proved a great opportunity for photographs, and thanks are extended to the Mackie family for the use of their premises for the evening.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Miss Rachel Cochrane, of BFBS Radio. Rachel gave an insight into her role, particularly during her time in Afghanistan and some of the challenges she faced along the way.

Representatives from Finvoy, Kilraughts & Moycraig YFCs gave a short presentation on the details for this years show and a promise of a fun day out for all the family.

Friday evening, 6th June promises entertainment for all ages. Amongst other things there’ll be our ever popular Pet Show, Childrens’ Entertainers, the County Antrim YFC Football Competition, Tug – O –War and a programme of entertainment on stage from 6.30pm including none other than hot country legend ‘Ritchie Remo’. For those of you who can’t make it on Friday night, not to worry, because Saturday will host a showcase of events as well! So there’ll be plenty for all the family to choose from to ensure an enjoyable day out!

Horse, Pony & Donkey 
Section

On the Friday evening we continue to have Local Pony Ridden Show Classes, followed by Local Pony & Hunter Breeding Classes– entries for which will be taken on the field from 2.30pm, with classes due to commence at 3pm. The Route Hunt Unaffiliated Show Jumping for Ponies & Horses and the North West Working Hunter Ponies & Horses get underway at 4pm & 5pm respectively.

On Saturday in the main arena show classes commence with the Heavy Horses, which are one of our highlights in the Horse section, this is reflected with large entries in each class. The Shetland, Welsh, Mixed Mountain and Moorland and Connemara breeds and Donkeys continue to draw in many exhibitors. The Ridden Hunter, Hunters in hand followed by the Irish Draught also take place on Saturday morning. We have numerous Irish Shows Association qualifiers for all Ireland Championships in these sections. This years Show also sees the introduction of two new classes for Racehorse to Riding Horse. The Interbreed Horse and Pony Championship will be judged in the main arena and the Special Heavy Horse Turnout class for pairs and farm wagon or commercial vehicle will be judged immediately after the Grand Parade. This will be followed by a small parade through the town.

Cattle Section

The Association is pleased to welcome judges from all over the British Isles to cast their expert eye over the cream of the crop being exhibited at this years Ballymoney Show. With a mix of classes for British and Continental breeds to choose from the exhibitors have plenty of choice and work ahead of them to continue the high standards we see year after year. Also as one of the selected Qualifying Shows for many prestigious Awards there are lots of reasons to exhibit at Ballymoney Show.

Sheep Section

Once again we have a vast range of sheep classes with 17 different breeds available for entry, and this year an additional class for ‘any other breed of sheep’. With the consistently high number of sheep exhibitors, the prize money in this sector is hotly competed after.

Goat Section

The year sees 12 classes available for entry in the Goat Section, both in Pedigree & Non Pedigree Classes with some silverware up for grabs.

Poultry Section

We continue to have a vast choice of classes for entry with exhibitors having almost 75 classes to choose from, including our childrens section.

Home Industries,
 Photographic and Schools Section

As in previous years we have numerous classes in Craft, Painting, Baking, Preserves, Confectionery, Flower Exhibits and Photography to capture the talents of our local ladies and gents. In the Schools section, which now cover pre-school, primary, secondary and special schools, we have an ever increasing number of classes available for entry, which gives our local school children a great platform to show off their work publicly.

North Antrim Agricultural Association is made up of a Board of Directors and a very enthusiastic show committee comprising of members from the three local Young Farmers Clubs – Finvoy, Kilraughts and Moycraig. Once again they take on the huge task of preparing the grounds, stewarding the classes and running an exciting entertainment programme for the 2 days. They are led by Chairman; Gary Thompson, Secretary; Zara Morrison, Treasurer; Trevor Gilmour and Press Officer; Carol McMullan. Judges for this years show have already been confirmed, and we will be glad to be welcoming visiting judges from all over the British Isles and Ireland.

The Show Association gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance given by the sponsors who have provided special prize money and are deeply indebted to those donors who have augmented the prize money by their subscriptions.

A full list of sponsors is detailed in the schedules, available on our website or can be obtained from the Show Secretary Mrs Zara Morrison. Check out their website for further information regarding schedules, entry forms and closing dates and entertainments programme. www.ballymoneyshow.org www.ballymoneyshow.org or contact our secretary [email protected]