As many of the Munster shows draw to a close, the rest of Ireland is only beginning to kick off the show season. Livestock enthusiasts around the country are clocking up the mileage in a bid to secure some of the top accolades before the National Livestock Show in Tullamore in two weeks’ time.

But what lies ahead of Tullamore is a sight for all. This weekend sees our biggest show coverage to date, hitting six shows in the space of three days. These shows carry with them some great prestige of their own, with many playing host to numerous All-Ireland livestock competitions.

Some spectators from this week’s Galway Races may find comfort after a hard few days by heading north to Bonniconlon on Monday.

While there is lots of fun for all the family, cattle take centre stage, with commercial cattle in particular fighting for their share of the €4,400 All-Ireland prize fund.

On the same day, Tinahely is the venue of choice for one of Ireland’s biggest young handlers’ competitions, where in excess of 40 of the most experienced future breeders try to secure the title of stockperson of the year, along with a generous cash prize.

If you cannot make the trip from Tinahely to Bonniconlon in the same day, the Irish Farmers Journal will be present to bring you the most up-to-date show reports over the jam-packed weekend that lies ahead.

Extended coverage

The new extended shows coverage on www.farmersjournal.ie stands unrivalled with 27 of Ireland and the UK’s biggest and best shows covered over the last three months alone.

To see some of champions from around the country over the last few weeks and monitor our show coverage progress, be sure to check out this week’s pedigree supplement or keep up to date with the goings-on from around the shows at www.farmersjournal.ie/pedigree.