Omagh Show can bounce back bigger and better than ever in 2021

Chairman of the Tyrone Farming Society, Joe Crozier, is optimstic that the annual Omagh Show can bounce back bigger and better than ever in 2021.
The Elliott family and their Saler cattle is a common sight at Omagh ShowThe Elliott family and their Saler cattle is a common sight at Omagh Show
The Elliott family and their Saler cattle is a common sight at Omagh Show

This year’s farming showpiece occasion, scheduled to take place this coming weekend, was supposed to be the 180th anniversary show but like similar events up and down the country was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s the second time that the agricultural extravaganza has been cancelled since moving to their state-of-the-art premises at the Drumquin Road showgrounds from the old site at Sedan Avenue - which currently houses the likes of M&S, Argos and Greggs - in 2001.

That was the year of the Foot and Mouth crisis when, again, shows across the board were wiped out.

Reserve champion in the agricultural horses in 2019 was David Patterson Garvagh receiving his prize from sponsors Gerard and Colm BroderickReserve champion in the agricultural horses in 2019 was David Patterson Garvagh receiving his prize from sponsors Gerard and Colm Broderick
Reserve champion in the agricultural horses in 2019 was David Patterson Garvagh receiving his prize from sponsors Gerard and Colm Broderick

While disappointed that his first show as chairman has been shelved, Mr Crozier said there was a determination among committee members to bounce back in style in 12 months time.

“We are all conscious of the so-called second wave of Covid but hopefully there will be a show to come back to next year,” he said.

“A lot of people have spoken of their disappointment this year and I think they’ll be keener than ever next year.

“It has to be remembered that since lockdown there has been a greater focus on local produce and in particular a surge in home baking. Who knows maybe by the time next year’s show comes around there will be a whole new generation looking to exhibit and compete in the home industries section.

The Ulster Farmers' Union receiving their prize for the best trade stand at Omagh Show in 2019The Ulster Farmers' Union receiving their prize for the best trade stand at Omagh Show in 2019
The Ulster Farmers' Union receiving their prize for the best trade stand at Omagh Show in 2019

“In the last few months I think there has also been a greater appreciation of the farming community and the lengths they go to put food on the table.

“We want to keep that message front and centre and it’s up to us to deliver a bigger and better show in 2021.”

All shows like Omagh rely heavily on sponsorship and, with a recession in all likelihood just around the corner as the country eases out of lockdown and the furlough scheme is phased out, that could mean financial support will be less forthcoming.

Mr Crozier though remains quietly confident that sponsors will stick by local farming’s big day out.

Sharon Colhoun, Omagh, and her champion Jacob at Omagh Show last yearSharon Colhoun, Omagh, and her champion Jacob at Omagh Show last year
Sharon Colhoun, Omagh, and her champion Jacob at Omagh Show last year

“There were sponsors this year that still gave us the money and told us to use it for next year,” he continued.

“Thankfully we have quite a few stalwart supporters and going forward I believe they will still be there. There might be a few drop off but on that front I would be fairly optimistic that we’ll be OK.

“We have come through difficult times before, albeit nothing quite like what we are experiencing at the minute, and we’ll bounce back again.”

Had all things been normal, the chairman, new secretary Brenda Mallon and their band of happy volunteers would have been working 24/7 to ensure that no stone had been left unturned as the big day approached.

Cathy Hawkes, Omagh who won best exhibit rosette at last year's show receiving her prize from Jennifer Hawkes, chair of the ladies' committeeCathy Hawkes, Omagh who won best exhibit rosette at last year's show receiving her prize from Jennifer Hawkes, chair of the ladies' committee
Cathy Hawkes, Omagh who won best exhibit rosette at last year's show receiving her prize from Jennifer Hawkes, chair of the ladies' committee

Organisers were planning a few special events to mark the 180th version including a parade of floats through the town on the main show day itself.

While the chairman remains resolutely optimistic going forward, he couldn’t hide his disappointment that the Drumquin Road showgrounds will be lying idle come Saturday.

“In normal circumstances the days leading up the show are extremely hectic but, of course, that hasn’t been the case this year,” he added.

“It’s hugely disappointing for everyone and in particular myself as I was looking forward to the challenge of overseeing my first show.

“There is an awful lot of work goes into organising the show, no one realises what goes on behind the scenes, and fortunately we had to call time on the event before we got into the bulk of that work.

“It’s disappointing for sponsors, exhibitors, organisers, traders and, of course, the ordinary punter on the day of the show.

Omagh Show's top team are, from left, secretary Brenda Mellon, chairman Joe Crozier and vice-chairperson Gerry McFarlandOmagh Show's top team are, from left, secretary Brenda Mellon, chairman Joe Crozier and vice-chairperson Gerry McFarland
Omagh Show's top team are, from left, secretary Brenda Mellon, chairman Joe Crozier and vice-chairperson Gerry McFarland

“It’s tough on everyone and I feel for the exhibitors with cattle, sheep, horses and so on. Those animals still have to be fed and catered for and they don’t have a shop window this year with all shows falling victim to the pandemic.

“But we’ll get through it. Farming communities are known for their resilience and we’ll bounce back.”

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