THE cake at last weekend’s retirement bash for the hugely popular Michael Hughes, who is hanging up his hat from his role as national secretary of the Irish Shows Association, was nothing short of a work of art and drew many compliments throughout the evening.

Complete with a great little figure of Michael himself on top of the cake, with his ISA handbook in hand, the fabulous cake was provided by the Castlewellan Show while the ISA’s northern region rose brilliantly to the task of organising the AGM and dinner dance. Cakemaker Alex Woods, said: “I made it on behalf of Castlewellan Agricultural Show. I’ve known Michael for years, he has been such a support to our show and we wanted to gift him with a cake to show our appreciation. On a personal note, it was simply a pleasure to make a special cake for a special friend who has the ISA in his heart.”