Bonniconlon Agricultural Show Prepares For Annual Event

A Tradition Of Rural Excellence

The village of Bonniconlon is preparing to host the 74th annual Bonniconlon Agricultural Show and Gymkhana this coming Bank Holiday Monday, August 4. Located in North Mayo on the outskirts of Ballina, this quintessential rural village welcomes over 30,000 visitors every year for its signature one-day event. The show serves as a vital community gathering, coinciding with the August holiday period to bring together local residents and those who have moved away, cementing its place as a staple of the regional calendar.

This year’s event is marked by a significant prize fund of €65,000. The proceedings will be officially opened by Dara Calleary TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The annual show committee has worked extensively to expand the award-winning program, ensuring that the event offers a wide array of interests for visitors of all ages.

Livestock And Agricultural Competitions

The heart of the show remains its extensive livestock exhibitions. The sheep section is particularly robust, hosting over 100 classes. These include breeds such as the Swaledale, Rouge de l’Ouest, Blue Texel, and Valais Blacknose, alongside others like the Cheviot, Lleyn, Hampshire Down, and Charollais. A highlight of the day is the All-Ireland Ewe Lamb Final, hosted in partnership with the Irish Shows Association. New additions for this year include a Best Fleece competition and a prize for the All-Ireland Senior Young Shepard, while the Shepherdess 2025 Championship is open to participants aged 17 to 22.

The cattle section offers an equally impressive lineup, featuring Traditional 4* and 5* Breeding Heifer classes and Junior and Senior ‘unhaltered’ Cow and Calf Championships. The All-Ireland Junior and Senior Commercial Calf Championships are among the most anticipated, with prize funds reaching up to €1,800. Pedigree classes will be held for Simmental, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Limousin, Angus, and Shorthorn breeds, alongside a qualifier for the 2025 All Ireland Intermediate Stockperson.

Beyond cattle and sheep, the show features 14 goat classes and nearly 40 poultry classes, including All-Ireland qualifiers for Soft Feather Heavy and True and Rare Bantam Breeding Pair Chickens. The event also hosts the All-Ireland three year old Registered Irish Draught Filly Championship Final and the A. Browne Filly Foal All-Ireland qualifier. Dog enthusiasts can participate in various breed classes, including the Dog Safe Fence Connaught Championship final.

Family Entertainment And Community Spirit

For those interested in arts and crafts, the show provides roughly 200 classes covering horticulture, cookery, woodwork, flowers, and senior art, with dedicated sections for special needs participants. Junior competitions are also available in pets, crafts, and primary school categories. A large vintage display of vehicles and machinery will be on view, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of the day.

New attractions this year include the Adrenaline Stunt Show and Big Monster Truck Show. Family-oriented activities are plentiful, featuring a kids disco, a Bonny baby show, and a junior jiving competition. The event also celebrates local personality through contests such as The Rose of Bonniconlon, Glamourous Granny, and the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady and Gent.

Music And Logistics

Live music is a central part of the experience. The lineup includes Pat’s Country Road Show, Kelly’s Hero’s, Michael S., Clodagh Togher, and the local group Passion. Mike Denver is scheduled to perform from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by Michael English from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will conclude with a Show Dance in the Grove Hall starting at 10 p.m., featuring Declan Nerney and his band.

To accommodate the large crowds, free parking is available, and shuttle buses will operate. Hourly buses will depart from the Cathedral in Ballina at a cost of €5 each way. Entry to the show is €15 for adults, while National School children can attend free of charge. With 120 Silver Cups and numerous All-Ireland qualifiers, the event remains a premier showcase of rural skill and community pride.