THE renowned Garvagh Show made a comeback on Saturday 1st September, with the Garvagh Clydesdale and Vintage Vehicle Club welcoming hundreds of visitors from across Northern Ireland to the quaint village, a turnout which is believed to be their largest to date.
Proudly sponsored by RiverRidge, the Garvagh Show entertained crowds with beautiful vintage vehicles, demonstrations and a range of magnificent animals, proving once again, that the Garvagh Show continues to grow from strength to strength each year.
Chairman of the Garvagh Clydesdale and Vintage Vehicle Club and local vet, Nevin Smith said, “We were absolutely delighted with how the show turned out again this year. The huge turnout of spectators and the beautiful weather allowed us to once again celebrate with the wider community in style.
“There were many spectacular scenes, we were delighted to welcome for the first time, the Austin Register Ireland Club, who displayed 12 stunning Austin vintage cars from the early 1900s, which was widely admired by many throughout the day.
“With classic displays of vintage threshing by Club members, Tom Stewart and Hugh Boreland and entertainment by John Knox and our fantastic line dancers, there really was something for everyone to enjoy.”
The main event, the Clydesdale Show was widely acclaimed as the largest horse show in Northern Ireland this year, hosting over 20 competitors.
Nevin continues, “The Clydesdale Show presented some magnificent animals, with our judge John Drummond, commenting on the difficult task of choosing a winner. However, Jenny Reid claimed the Supreme Champion with her two-year-old Filly Bencannon, Majestic Flowergirl, daughter of her previous Garvagh Show Champion mare. Robin Kerr was selected as Reserve Champion with Downhill Lady Lucinda and Victor Scott’s Glebeview Jack, claimed the title of Male Champion.
“The Young Handlers class was run under a new format and introduced by Yvonne Hanna from the Co Londonderry Horse Breeding Society, her son Craig gave an excellent display and was awarded the Robert Scott Cup.
“A special mention goes out to the rising star, Ciara Thomas, who contested in the Riding Clydesdale Class. At the young age of 14, Ciara fearlessly powered her massive Clydesdale Gelding around the arena, winning the Mervyn Stewart Cup and the Champion Rossette. This young rider has a fantastic future ahead of her and I can guarantee she is one to watch.
“Other attractions in conjunction with Garvagh Museum, saw Bertie Faulkner parade the town with his Cob Sam and his traditional farm cart loaded with corn sheaves from this year’s harvest. The main street parade was led by Victor Scott and Ben McLaughlin with two grand Clydesdale pairs and dray.”
“The pet show, sponsored by Angles Hair Salon, was once again another crowd favourite. First place was a Daschund called Frankie, with second and third place going to a miniature Schnauzer called Harley and a Cocker Spaniel called Dublin.
Brett Ross, CEO of RiverRidge said, “The Garvagh Show is a unique event, which showcases all that is good about this area. For RiverRidge, it is important to support the local community, so we were only too happy to assist the Club and the Show. I had no doubt that the Garvagh Show would be another huge success, so I would like to say huge congratulations to the entire Club. Well done.”
Nevin concludes, “I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Club, to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers and Main Street Catering Group for the delicious refreshments throughout the day. All of this support helps us to provide a remarkable show year after year.”
