Kildare firm is big sponsor at Clonaslee Show

All roads lead to the Slieve Blooms this weekend where the Clonaslee Produce & Livestock Show returns for an event whic the organisers promise will be “bigger and better than ever”.

A Dairy Shorthorn category joins the livestock section for the first time, reflecting a renewed and growing interest in traditional breeds. Elsewhere, the new All-Ireland Factory Lamb competition, sponsored by Dawn Meats – Kildare Chilling, offers a €500 prize fund.

Taking place in Laois on Sunday, September 13, the much-loved event brings together livestock and equestrian competitions, horticulture, cookery, art and crafts in a celebration of the area's rich rural heritage.

A host of new categories and events have been planned for this year's show, and exhibitors are encouraged to check the show website for full details of what's new.

The show continues to showcase the dedication, skill and talent of young people in agriculture. This year's Young Handlers classes have been strengthened with a qualifier for the National Final of the IHFA YMA Showmanship League, alongside the established beef handlers and sheep stockperson competitions.

The poultry section and pet corner remain firm favourites with children each year. New for 2026, visitors will have the chance to predict the Overall Champion Bird and see the winner presented with the new David Brickley Cup. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Young visitors with an eye for style are invited to enter the Most Appropriately Dressed Young Farmer competition, generously sponsored by Galvin's Tullamore. The competition is open to all young people who combine a practical approach to dressing for the show with a stylish edge. More below photo.

The Vintage section also gains a new award this year: the Colm Hogan Cup, for Best Vintage Car. The Tom McDermot Perpetual Trophy will continue to be presented for Best Overall Vintage Exhibit.

The show will once again host the final of the All-Ireland Gain Dog Championship, with entrants from 25 qualifying shows competing for the title of All-Ireland Champion. Local dog lovers can enter their own pets in the family dog show, which has added new classes this year — including the Puppies aged 4 to 12 months class, which is bound to be a firm favourite with the crowd.

​Beyond the competitions, there will be plenty of free entertainment for children, including bouncy castles and face painting. The ever-popular Tug of War will also return, with teams lining up for some friendly yet serious rivalry.

Rock on Paddy and Joe Wynne will provide live music throughout the day to keep the crowd dancing, while visitors can browse a range of trade stands and enjoy the variety of food and drink that is on offer. With so much to see and do, it promises to be a great day out for the whole family. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The organisers of the Clonaslee show say the event has played an important part in the general raising of standards in many aspects of farming and rural living. They also say that it has also created confidence locally that the community can organise events of this nature very successfully and compete successfully with exhibitors for elsewhere.

They are also of the view that the annual event is further evidence of a community that believes in itself and puts its best foot forward to preserve our valuable rural lifestyle and all that is best in rural Ireland.

​Entry to the show remains priced at €10, with children admitted free. For full details of categories and classes, entry requirements, judging times, and new events, visit clonasleeshow.com. For further updates, keep an eye on the show’s facebook pages and www.clonasleeshow.com