Agriland today (Friday, July 17) launches Around the Shows, a new limited podcast series taking listeners behind the scenes at agricultural shows across Ireland.

Produced by Agriland, Around the Shows, podcast series will introduce you to the farmers, exhibitors, volunteers, traders, families and many more who keep these much-loved traditions alive.

In this new podcast series Conor Galligan starts off at the Dungarvan Agricultural Show - more than a century after it first opened its gates.

Now in its 107th year, the Co. Waterford show featured livestock competitions, trade stands, equestrian events and family attractions, while new additions such as a tug of war competition helped draw crowds on the day.

History

One of the show's organisers, Frances Carroll told Agriland that Dungarvan Show has remained true to its roots since it was first established in 1913.

Among this year's highlights was the Irish Texel Sheep Society's National Championships, which was hosted at Dungarvan for the very first time.

"We're particularly delighted to have the Irish Texel Society here; they're holding the finals of their national championships and we're thrilled to have people from all over Ireland visiting Dungarvan," Carroll added.

One of the exhibitors making the journey down to Waterford was West Kerry breeder Fergal Ó Sé, who was pleased to leave with both a first place and sixth-place finish.

Driving skills challenge

The show's tractor driving skills competition also returned again after proving popular amongst attendees last year.

An organiser of the competition, Mark Connors detailed that competitors had to face two challenges whilst driving a New Holland tractor, supplied by Murphy Motors in Co. Kilkenny.

Connors said that the proceeds from the competition would be donated to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, with the fastest competitors returning later in the day for the final.

Tug of war

Another highlight of the 2026 show was the tug of war competition returning to the showgrounds for the first time in awhile, hosted by local star Tony 'Tom' Coffey.

Coffey, who was apart of the infamous comedy act 'Bachelors in Trouble', described the event as a fun addition that attracted a strong crowd throughout the afternoon.

The self proclaimed manager of the Tip Tuggers, Patrick Collins also shared the secrets to the team's success on the podcast.

One of them according to Jack Ryan is their "strict" diet of steak and spuds.

Live music

Entertainment throughout the show day was provided by a range of acts, including country band Loose Cannon who marked their third appearance at Dungarvan Show this year.

As Agriland can attest to it appears that a sunny day and a lively show proves to be the perfect backdrop for a sing-a-long particularly if that song happens to be 'Stop the World and Let Me Off'.

The Around the Shows podcast, will be available on the Agriland platform and all streaming platforms today (Friday, July 17) from 7.00pm.