ENTRIES and spectators for Athenry’s old July date had started to dwindle and with families now spoilt for choice for summer Sunday events to attend, the show committee made the decision to switch to an early May date last year. That brave move paid off then and even more so last Sunday when there was a real retro feel to a show field packed once again with horse boxes, families and picnic parties on a scorching hot day.

The country’s improved motorway system means Athenry is easily accessible for exhibitors and in fact the M6 motorway runs alongside the show field, held on Teagasc grounds.