83rd Royal Meath Show taking moves to protect historic location
The 83rd Royal Meath Show will take place in Trim on Sunday, September 7, in the same field it has been hosted in for over four decades.
An important part of the heritage of the town, the show will be located at Porch Fields, courtesy of the Office of Public Works (0PW.)
Show spokesperson, Ethel Lydon, said: "There isn't a show in the country that has this kind of backdrop, overlooking Trim castle where Mel Gibson filmed 'Braveheart', with the River Boyne flowing by the bottom of the field."
"The volunteers working to get the show going are hoping for another great day for everyone, and the town of Trim will be set to be taken over all that’s good in the community," she said.
All the favourites will be back on the day, with a large range of classes in the sheep, horse, cattle, poultry and home industries sections.
"In the last few years our cattle entries were over 150 head, with cattle coming from all over the country.
"We have classes for most breeds with Angus and Hereford being the best supported," Ethel said.
There will also be a display of Highland cattle.
"Horse numbers are also very high with over 400 entered in all the different classes from lead rein to a working hunter championship.
"Our sheep section has grown a lot in the last few years, with classes for about 10 different breeds," Ethel added.
There will also a dog show, with entry on the day. Trade stands and displays of old and new machinery will be there.
For people curious about their own history, there will also be genealogy area featured.
Home industries, artisan food and craft tents will fill the middle of the field.
Musical entertainment will be by Matt Leavy and Declan Nerney, with a dance floor, while the popular Hudson's Amusements will add to the adrenaline rush.
Ethel pointed out that there may be some changes to the 2025 show for regular attendees.
"This year, the show may look slightly different and we ask that all attending in any way work with the committee to get around the changes to the layout," she said.
"These have come from the many discussions between the committee and the OPW, to help protect the historic grounds for the future. The committee ask that all on the field on show day respect the limitations and safety layouts of the field.
"We are delighted that we managed to agree on how we can work in the field. The show has been located in this field for the best part of 40 years, and has a great heritage with the town, and it is great to be able to continue here," she added.
