This year’s Castlewellan Show AGM yielded several new faces at the top table of the Show Committee. The outgoing chairperson John Adams thanked all of those who had helped make the 2012 show such as success and gave a warm welcome to the first ever female Show chairperson, well know sheep breeder Michelle McCauley. Michelle has been actively involved in the agricultural show sector for many years and has had a lot of success with her Hampshire Downs. It was also a new start for Jackie Fitzpatrick who has taken over from Violet Bell as Show Secretary and she told the audience that she was very much looking forward to filling Violet’s substantial shoes. Theresa Kearney was newly elected as the Treasurer completing a predominantly female line up alongside vice chairperson Francis McAlinden.
This year’s AGM was addressed by Down District Council Vice Chairperson Maria McCarthy, who praised Castlewellan Show’s contribution to the local economy and its ability to attract visitors from far and wide, including internationally.
The Rathfriland Farmers Co-Op Promotion Awards were presented by Elsie Dickson. The individual awards went to 1st – John McClintock, Reidstown Kerryhills; 2nd – Elizabeth McAllister – Arthnugullion Beltex; 3rd – Martin McConville – Glenhone Pedigree Texels. With the group awards presented to Caroline Lyons on behalf of the Zwartbles and Olive Mercer on behalf of the Hampshire Downs.
Chairperson – Michelle McCauley
Vice Chairperson – Francis McAlinden
Treasurer – Theresa Kearney
Press Officer – Fidelma Carolan
Assistant Press Officer – Alex Woods
Safety Office – Jim Drayne
Horse Chairperson – David Lyons
Cattle Chairperson – Arthur Malone
Sheep Chairperson – Roy Graham
Goat Chairperson – Geoffrey Ringland
Poultry Chairperson – tbc
Home Industries Chairperson – Fiona Patterson
Show Ground Management – Rodney Hamilton
Assistant Show Ground Chairperson – Anthony Kelly
Car/Parking Stewards – Edward Laverty
Rural Pursuits Chairman – David Martin
Dogs – Angela & Jim Drayne, Geoffrey Ringland