MICHAEL Hughes was on the receiving end of another presentation at Clarecastle Show last Saturday.

“I’ve been recycled around the Irish Shows Association more than Mick O’Dwyer has been in the GAA!” quipped Hughes, who has served as the association’s chairman, treasurer and secretary and will retire at its annual general meeting in Newry in November. “I’m leaving the association in good hands with its president David Sheehan.”

It wouldn’t be Clarecastle Show without some extra element, provided at the presentation by Bunratty Castle singer Helen Slattery, a niece of show chair Michael, who serenaded Michael Hughes with a traditional Irish air. “There can never be goodbyes amongst friends, this is a fond farewell,” said Helen, after her uncle had presented Hughes with an inscribed silver medal.

Also present was Minister of State Pat Breen, who revealed that planning is already under way for the US presidential visit in November when President Trump plans to visit the Banner County. Breen also welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring of further funding in 2019 for agricultural shows. Another speaker was Clare Colleran Molloy, the Mayor of Ennis Municipal Authority, sponsors of the All Ireland colt foal final.