THE Clonmany Agricultural Show is delighted that Majella O’Donnell will officially open this year’s event.
Donegal’s premier agricultural show, which incorporates the Taste of Inishowen Food Festival and the North West Shearing Championships, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the northwest and beyond once again.
It takes place in Inishowen over Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5.
The Clonmany Agricultural Show returns for a phenomenal 57th year with star names and a fascinating Guinness world record attempt.
Majella O’Donnell will officially open the 57th Clonmany Agricultural Show in Inishowen.
Stars to look out for this year include world famous singer Daniel O’Donnell, his VIP wife guest Majella, plus Margo, Daithí O’Sé and Noel Cunningham, and top chef Brian McDermott.
Majella said: “I’m honoured to be asked to open the Clonmany Agricultural Show. It’s such a special event for Inishowen and for Donegal.
“There’s so much on offer for all the family, from livestock and championships to food, music and children’s entertainment; it promises to be a great day out for all ages.”
Majella joins a headline line-up of special guests including Margo, Daithí, Noel Cunningham, and a full chefs’ line-up featuring Brian McDermott, Paula McIntyre, Wendy Dempster, Jason McKay, Kateann Sexton and Peter Campbell, as well as live Irish country music, jiving championships, cookery demonstrations and fashion shows.
Noel Cunningham, special guest and longtime supporter of the show, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Majella O’Donnell will officially open this year’s Clonmany Agricultural Show.
“Majella’s advocacy for mental health, and the wonderful work she does in this field, has earned huge respect and admiration across Ireland and beyond.
“She’s a natural entertainer, having appeared as a guest on virtually every major radio and television show in the country.
“We know our locals, our regular visitors, and everyone contemplating a first visit will be every bit as excited as we are that Majella is doing the honours this year.”
Daithí O’Sé and chef Brian McDermott will join the line-up at the 57th Clonmany Agricultural Show.
Daithí O’Sé and chef Brian McDermott will join the line-up at the 57th Clonmany Agricultural Show, taking place over Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5, in Inishowen. See www.clonmanyshow.com.
This year’s show will also welcome a number of Food Coast Donegal members, who will be on hand to showcase the very best of the region’s food and drink producers.
Food Coast Donegal is working alongside Taste Causeway and Legenderry networks under a cross-border partnership to bring the best of producers and businesses from the North West to the festival, expanding the offering for visitors.
Among those taking part are Jason McKay of 10 Arches in Malin, Kate Anne Sexton of Cúl a’ Tí catering, Wendy Dempster of The Lamb Van, and Peter Campbell of Peter Campbell Catering, alongside a wider line-up including Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Wild Fuschia, Donegal Sea Salt, Maddy’s Sweet Treats, Love A Little Sauces, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Ulster Mead Co, The Chocolate Manor, Carrick Foods, Wild Atlantic Distillery, Dunluce Distillery, Coco Milis, The Milk Bar, Ocean Deli, Moyletra Moileds, Dart Mountain Cheese, Filligans, Castle Grove Country House, and Ah Crumbs.
The full listing brings together food and drink producers from both sides of the border, reflecting the strength of collaboration between Donegal and the wider North West region and giving festival-goers a genuine taste of what the area has to offer.
Chef Brian McDermott, who will headline the cookery demonstrations, said: “Food Coast Donegal, alongside partners like Taste Causeway, has done tremendous work in shining a light on the quality of produce coming out of the North West. Events like Taste of Inishowen at the Clonmany Agricultural Show are the perfect platform for that cross-border showcase, and we’re excited to be part of it again this year.”
Alongside a stellar food line-up, the show will host the All-Ireland Sheep Shearing and Open Sheep Shearing Championships, sheepdog trials, showjumping, and a full agricultural show encompassing livestock, home industries, poultry and rare breeds.
A Guinness World Record attempt at sheaf throwing, tug of war and monster draw feature alongside trade stands, food outlets, children’s amusements, an environmental exhibition and a dedicated sensory marquee for children with special needs.
The show also features the North West Open Young Stockperson Championships in both sheep and cattle, the North West Open Ladies Stockperson Championship, and a junior baker championship across three age categories.
More information about the Clonmany Agricultural Show is available on the clonmanyshow.com website.