Plans for the 109th iteration of Clonakilty Agricultural Show are well advanced according to show president Martin Dineen.

Speaking during the launch at the Clonakilty GAA complex in Ahamilla, and posing the question 'What Makes Our Show Great?' he explained it is a fusion of farming, youth participation and real rural community spirit by all those involved in what is a major event - not just for Clonakilty, but well beyond.

He said, 'This year's programme is one of our most varied yet, with over a hundred classes across every corner of rural life.

From cattle, horses, dogs, poultry arts and crafts, horticulture, photography and all the junior classes.

To our sponsors, your support allows us to keep improving the show and we don't take it (support) for granted, we value the partnership.

I would like to thank the Gardaí for their great support, to government buildings, Tesco, Clonakilty Black Pudding for the use of their facilities for parking.'

His recollection of the show echoed the sentiments of many of those present. 'As a young child it’s a day that our family look forward to every summer and today, it is kept alive by the support of local households, businesses and the volunteers, who give so much of their time.'

Outgoing officers, president Richard Kingston, vice-presidents Dick Kingston and James Kingston and secretary Sheila Jennings were thanked for their 'outstanding work and keeping Clonakilty Show firmly on the map.'

During the launch a number of people that have gone to their eternal reward were remembered, Mr. Dineen said, 'We remember Michael McCarthy MRCVS, who passed away prior to the 2025 Show, but this is our first press reception since his passing. We remember Ina Helen, who did trojan work behind the scenes, she gave a lifetime of service to the society, she actually passed away on the day of the show last year. We also remember Tommy O'Donovan of O’Donovan’s Hotel. The hotel was the centre of all meetings for years and also facilitated the collection of entries and trophies, with a special entry box on the reception counter each year. This year, to facilitate everyone, the box is back on the counter. We also remember Kitty Cotter, who travelled throughout the country to support shows - a remarkable woman, she was secretary of Dunmanway Agricultural Show, member of the board of the Irish Shows Association and chairperson of the Southern Region of the Irish Shows Association. We also remember Kevin Finn, another great supporter of the show.'

The schedule of classes range from home industries, dogs, poultry, equestrian, dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep with multiple All‑Ireland qualifiers and championships that provide a great excitement to the parade rings.

The junior categories continue to form a vital part of the show as Mr. Dineen added, 'We’ve a great range of junior entries again this year.

The local schools have really got behind the art, handwriting and computer‑aided drawing, with everything from farm scenes to the challenge of “A Day Without Screens.”

Other categories such as junior baking, horticulture, craft and photography are also well supported.

A window display in the former Paddy Meade's newsagent shop promoting the show is receiving great attention and the ladies involved were thanked along with Grace Meade for the use of the premises.

During his address, Mr. Dineen gave a perfect summation as he said, 'Shows are more than competitions, they are meeting places, learning spaces and a celebration of who we are.'

Meanwhile, lady president Jo Calnan spoke about her role, 'I think it is a great privilege to be chosen, this is my third year as lady president, I've been going to the show since I was a toddler.

The team involved in the show here in Clonakilty are a great team, they are so enthusiastic.

The lady president's team get involved in the domestic arts, floral arts, photography and they all know what they are doing.

The best dressed lady and the appropriately best dressed lady competitions are very popular. It is my wish that everyone will go back home with happy memories of the show, particularly the younger people because it's part of the experience of their lifetime.'