KEEP the date of Sunday, July 16th in your diaries and phones for what promises to be a great day out at Newcastlewest Show.

The Newcastlewest Agricultural Show has been running for well over 50 years and the cattle and sheep classes are back again for the third year to add to the packed schedule.

The venue is Ballynoe, Castlemahon, Co Limerick, by kind permission of Mr Terence Leonard and a huge crowd is expected.

The show is also hosting some key qualifiers in the Horse and Pony Showjumping and Showing classes as well as all the usual showing classes for Connemaras, Ladies Side Saddle and Mountain and Moorland.

The horse showing classes include a qualifier for Young Irelander (3yo loose jumping) for RDS and Millstreet International Show. There will also be HSI Sport Horse Foal Championship Qualifier 2017 with a prize fund of €3,000

The show jumping includes a leg of the 1.35m Munster Connolly’s Red Mills Grand Prix with €2,000 prize money on offer, the 1.20m PJS League and qualifying classes for ponies for the Munster Star of the Future Finals

The agricultural showing classes include various breed classes for dairy, beef and sheep, donkeys, miniature horses, goats, poultry, eggs, dog show, wild birds and rare animals.

WORLD’S BIGGEST DONKEY

There’s a host of great fun entertainment lined up including the All Ireland Donkey Derby and a chance to meet the world’s largest donkey. For those who like fashion, the show offers the chance to put on your glad rags for the best dressed Gentleman & Lady, Glamorous Granny and Bonny Baby competitions.

For kids, there is a Games Corner, Amusements, Bouncy Castles and of course there will be plenty of food stalls to be enjoyed.

Always popular is the Vintage Car and Machinery Display in association with West Limerick Vintage Club.

The gates open at 9am and judging starts at 10am. On the judges’ panel is Peter Molloy, Ciara Durham, Mary Moore, Jane Darragh.

The closing date for entries is July 7th. Send equine entries to entries@newcastlewestshow.com or post to Sean McAuliffe, Rathpalatine, Broadford, via Charleville, Co. Limerick, telephone 0863601395.