Fermanagh Show 'unsustainable' in current format, say organisers

Judging of livestock classes will now take place on farms

Rising costs have made the oldest two-day agricultural show in the island of Ireland "unsustainable", organisers have said.

The Fermanagh County Show returned last year in a new venue in Necarne Castle post-Covid.

However, it will no longer be held in its "normal format".

The team said escalating costs, increased demand for risk assessments and the cost of training for volunteers mean it is unfeasible to continue.

They added the "serious disease status" of herds in Fermanagh was also a consideration.

The crafts arena at last year's show

Judging of livestock classes will now take place on farms, with a children's craft exhibition to be held in August and footage of the animal entries to be screened at a prize-giving event in the autumn.

Analysis: A 'tough decision' to make

These local shows are an important part of the agricultural calendar.

They give busy farmers the chance to catch up with neighbours and friends, share insights and, possibly most importantly, support each other in an increasingly challenging industry.

But it's not just farmers - local community groups and schools are involved too, through craft and cookery competitions.

The shows help build connections, but they are expensive and require massive volunteer involvement.

Fermanagh County Show committee's dedication over the years is renowned, but they are almost certainly not the only one making very tough decisions.

'Soul searching'

The award-winning Fermanagh County Show had plans to increase its scale, following the move to a new, larger venue last year.

But that will not happen in 2024.

Now, the show committee say a five-year plan is being put in place, with an emphasis on education and agriculture, encouraging school competitions and supporting young farmers in the county.

Last year the event was held in Necarne Castle, also known as Castle Irvine

"After much soul searching, we decided that Fermanagh County Show in its usual format is unsustainable and we do not have the voluntary workforce to roll it out," they said.

"Covid had an adverse effect on the show and there is not the same pool of expertise available to act as stewards as many of the farmers that previously volunteered now work part time off farm."

A report on the future of local agricultural shows was commissioned during the previous Assembly's term, but its recommendations have never been acted on.

A support scheme was set up in 2022 in the wake of the Covid restrictions, but no funding was available in 2023.