CROWDS out in force and Sunday’s soaring temperatures all added to the ‘day out at the show’ atmosphere at the Longford Agricultural Show & Country Fair. “Some 24 statues of Our Lady of Prague and two rows of candles in St Anne’s Church!” is their highly-organised secretary Bernie Whyte and her committee’s annual plan for good weather, the factor that makes or breaks an agricultural show’s gate receipts.

One of the keys to Longford’s success is a compact layout with four horse and pony showrings side-by-side, so exhibitors and spectators can see at a glance which classes are taking place.