LOOKING back on the 2016 showing season, it was a summer of bargain buy stories, mid-afternoon finishes for some shows due to lower entries, a Dublin hunter championship trail blazed by the next generation of exhibitors and some notable wins by Irish-bred ponies.

Every Irish summer sees some shows being rained off, however economic factors and lack of volunteer help saw a number of other fixtures either cut back or cancel this year. Several committees intend to switch 2017 date as agricultural shows vie to attract a paying public, spoilt for choice for weekend family entertainment.