ONE memorable photo from last year’s Charleville Show is of a cluster of youngsters gathered around Liam and Joan Ruttle’s Harlequin Charm and her foal after the pair qualified for The Irish Field Breeders’ Championship.

Similarly this summer, another next generation sighting was the Midland Youth Group (MYG) team. This ‘mobile squad’ of agricultural show volunteers has now become a familiar sight at midlands shows, most recently at Longford.

Four of its members present there - Colin Doyle, Alannah Finnegan, Caoimhe Sheridan and Áine Sherry - won widespread praise across the Longford committee for their help on show day.

Whether it’s social media posts, stewarding, tech advice, helping with paperwork or even taking charge of face painting, the team of personable, tech-savvy 20-somethings are a breath of fresh air on the show scene.

So how did the MYG concept begin? Now in its second year, the group is the brainchild of Ray Brady, former chairperson of Arva Show and Tydavnet Show chairperson, Paula Loughran.

Its objective is to spark regeneration and to create a positive culture for young people who get involved with their local show. What the group also brings to the table - or show field - are new ideas, individual skillsets and their own autonomy to help their shows adapt to modern-day challenges.

The group was initially set up in January 2021 with Ray, Paula and original members: Áine, Colin and Maeve. Despite pandemic restrictions, which had brought all forms of social gatherings to a halt, the new group met monthly, via Zoom, to discuss their backgrounds and future plans.

“There is a tradition of youth culture in Ireland, between the likes of Foróige, Macra na Feirme and even the GAA, there are many opportunities for young people to become active citizens in their local society and community,” said Colin, the country’s youngest agricultural show secretary.

“For us, it’s how we bridge the gap to support young people as they go on to become leaders and take on more responsibilities. We want to be here to support them and ensure they feel they have someone to turn to when they need a supportive shoulder.”

What started out as a group of five has now grown to a dozen, representing Arva, Castleblayney, Moate, Oldcastle, Royal Meath (Trim), Tydavnet and Virginia shows.

All-round skills

Post-Covid and foundations set, the group then started meeting up. “Our in-person meetings generally take place over a bit of lunch where we spend some time catching up, hearing about local news or how our local GAA clubs are getting on and afterwards, we’ll have a little chat about our plans for the summer.

“The return of the show season last year allowed for the group to get out amongst the people, helping out at their own shows and even stretching as far north as Clogher Valley and Clonmany. If it’s to steward a ring, sell catalogues or paint faces, you can be sure the MYG will be available to help where needed!

“Most show societies have been built upon the foundations of valuing local traditions, sustaining heritage and promoting the best of the Irish agricultural sector, so, as a group, this is what we want to continue into the future.”

Hydration station: Áine Sherry, Colin Doyle and Caoimhe Sheridan on stewarding duty at Athlone Show \ Susan Finnerty

Doyle is the ultimate multi-tasker. A Dublin-based schoolteacher, he’s equally adept at showing the family’s Connemaras and Irish Draughts and last year was a member of the ISH Young Breeders gold medal team at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) championships in Ermelo.

He was the ‘equestrian’ amongst the group at Longford. His colleagues that day: Áine, Alannah and Caoimhe, bring their own interests, be it home crafts, cattle, poultry or family entertainment, to the mix. And entertainment, plus new ways of getting the admission-paying public through the gate and giving value for money, is vital now for many country shows survival.

“We all have our own different backgrounds and life experiences, we all bring something different to the group. Our different personalities enable us to bounce off each other well, meaning our meet-ups are always upbeat and fresh.

“One thing that makes us work is that we don’t let ourselves become too serious about what we do; we are a group, not a committee with structures and roles. Any tasks we take on, we discuss them and allocate different jobs, based on our strengths.”

According to the group, its main benefits are a network of people spread across different counties that they can turn to for advice on a range of topics, from admin, PR, tech-related or any general issue.

“We’re all trying to do the best for our own individual shows but at the same time, we’re always available to help others shows out. Last year at the Royal Meath Show, we were involved in the general stewarding on the day of the All-Ireland Stockperson Championships. It was great that competitors in a competition for young people saw other young people helping on the day,” added Colin.

Penn State

And then there was their fact-finding mission last September to the Solanco Fair in Quarryville, Pennylvania, which ranked top of all four’s highlights to date.

Kitted out with their MYG backpacks and jackets, the group travelled over for five days to experience how a stateside agricultural fair is organised and to visit a local farm.

Quarryville is set in the rolling hills of Lancaster County, where agriculture and tourism are major industries. In fact, agriculture contributes just under $132.5 billion to the Pennsylvania economy.

The Fair opens with typical American razzmatazz with an evening parade through the town. Last year’s theme was “Salute to our real-life superheroes” and was a memorable sight for the Irish visitors.

“Its quite similar to our St Patrick’s Day parade and featured all of the local community groups, with floats from the police, the local middle schools, local musicians, vintage clubs and so many more,” Colin recalled.

“The most striking thing about the parade was how the locals lined the streets with their deckchairs, some leaving them out on the pavement for hours to save their spot. The parade, which took at least two hours, was so relaxed and everyone sits around, chatting and stockpiling the mountain of sweets and goodies launched from each passing float.

“The visit to the fair itself was a great experience, a sunny September day brought the whole community out in droves to wander through the Showgrounds. We were introduced to the fair committee and even met with the Secretary of State for Agriculture Russell Reading, who talked to us about the work we do back home.”

Solanco Fair committee member Scott Kreider then invited the group to his dairy farm.

“Sustainability and biodiversity are key points for his farm, surrounded by acres upon acres of corn. It was fantastic to see large-scale anaerobic digestion working and understand the positives to a process that is valued so much in the US due to their farming structures,” said Colin.

Evidently a worthwhile trip although you get the impression that Paula will not live down her infamous bowling skills anytime soon!

“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” (Praise the youth and they will flourish) is a favourite quote of the group’s other co-founder Ray Brady. The flourishing Midlands Youth Group is setting the standard for getting more youth involved in the organisation of all equestrian disciplines.

What they said

“The value and importance of our shows nationally is immeasurable. These shows have social, economic and cultural benefits. This group of dedicated young people have identified this and are prepared to ensure that the tradition of our shows is nurtured and continue to grow.

Offering help, showing initiative and taking the lead is testament of all that is good in young people. I’m very proud of what they have achieved so far and excited for the future with their involvement.”

Ray Brady.

“Succession for our shows is extremely important. With the Midlands Youth Group they have this to the forefront in all they do while assisting shows. I have gotten to know this group of young people, their dedication and enthusiasm is something to be admired.

They are an example of all that is good in young people. I am very proud to know all of these young people and to be associated with MYG.”

Paula Loughran.

Midland Youth Group Team

Colin Doyle

From: Castledaly, Co. Westmeath.

Local Show: Moate.

Day job: Secondary school teacher.

How/why you got involved: I remember getting a call one night in January ’21 from Ray when doing college assignments. Having never heard of Ray or Paula before, he chatted with me about shows and how we both got involved in our own respective shows. He said that they were trying to get a group of young people together; to share experiences and to lead and guide each other into becoming the next generation of leaders in their shows.

I wanted to get involved simply to meet other young persons and collaborate with them to try a build a network of likeminded people who are willing to help and support each other.

What you do: Within my own show in Moate, I am the current secretary. Having first been elected to the post in 2020, I never got to experience the ‘show’ until 2022 due to the pandemic. The job involves a little bit of everything but the administration and general running of the show is my primary concern. At times, the paperwork can seem like a dark tunnel devoid of an end, but it pays off in the end when you see the smiles on show day.

Highlight: The trip to Solanco Fair, PA, in September 2022. Sloppy Joes, new ideas, and just relaxed craic and fun.

Funniest memory: In general, anytime we get together as a group and especially if we go bowling, you can be assured there will be endless belly laughs. The competitive, yet silly, nature comes out in us all.

Alannah Finnegan

From: Arva, Co. Cavan

Local Show: Arva.

Day job: Data analyst.

How/why you got involved: I got involved with MYG through Ray [Brady] and my sister Maeve and to get to know more young people working in the shows. They’ve been really supportive and are a great network to ask questions.

What you do: I started out helping with the Home Crafts tent, then moved on to the Entertainment Officer. This is my first year as show secretary and I’ve learned so much about cattle that I didn’t realise I didn’t know!

In MYG, I go to other shows to volunteer, so far it’s been in a mix of poultry, kids creative entertainment area and young stock person competitions. I love meeting people at different shows and it’s great when they recognise you from another show!

Highlight: For me, it was our big trip to Solanco Fair in Pennsylvania last September. We had a meeting with the State Representative for Agriculture, the State Senator and the Fair Queen. Sitting there and eating a gravy and beef sandwich was a really surreal moment.

Funniest memory: Seeing the competitive side come out in some of the quietest people when we went bowling, and Paula dropping the ball on her turn! We won’t let her forget it anytime soon.

Caoimhe Sheridan

From: Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

Local Show: Castleblayney.

Day job: Agriculture student in DKIT/Dairy and poultry farmer.

How/why you got involved with the MYG: The group had been recently set up and an email was sent to all secretaries in the midlands region looking for young people to join. I expressed interest and I joined the group, without hesitation. The rest is history!

What you do: My official jobs are: I am assistant PRO for Castleblayney Show and am also the chief steward of the poultry and eggs section. As with everything, I have many other unofficial duties.

Highlight: Travelling to America as a group and visiting the Solanco Fair in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was amazing. We were welcomed with open arms and even got the opportunity to meet with state officials and senators. We visited a large scale dairy farm and it was amazing to see.

I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing what ‘shows’ are like in America, or ‘fairs’ as they are called. We noticed similarities in the things they do and what we do in Ireland. They also have new ideas that we enjoyed and took back home as inspiration to generate new ideas for shows in Ireland.

Funniest memory: We enjoy bowling as a group, and we all get competitive. While in America, we went bowling together one evening. It was Paula’s turn and we were ‘cheering’ her on. She threw the ball but instead it rolled backwards towards us, recreating a Wii sport bowling moment (those who played Wii sport will know!). We were all in stitches afterwards and won’t ever forget it. Sorry, Paula!

Áine Sherry

From: Ballinode, Co Monaghan

Local Show: Tydavnet.

Day job: Early Years practitioner and retail assistant at the weekends, along with my Superuser role

How/why you got involved: Midlands Youth Group was the brainchild of Paula Loughran and Ray Brady, so I was asked to consider getting involved .

The group is for young adults who have an interest in all things relating to shows, rural Ireland and helping the communities where we live.

It has helped me to become more confident and I really enjoy being involved. I have new friends and we regularly meet up socially which is great.

I like helping out and am delighted to travel the region learning, contributing and enjoying being part of the MYG.

What you do: I got involved in my local show: Tydavnet as it was a way of meeting new people and helping in my community. My jobs for our show is as follows: Trade Stand Officer, Chief Steward Of the Juvenile Section and Joint Chief Safety Officer

Highlight: Making our many trips together and sharing great experiences together, especially going to Philadelphia Country Fair last year.

Funniest memory: We say we aren’t a competitive bunch but by God when it comes to bowling, we definitely all are!