The Irish Shows Association (ISA) has welcomed the announcement of €840,000 in financial support for agricultural shows by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring.

“The idea is to assist the weaker shows that have trouble making ends meet, for example because of an episode of wet weather,” said the ISA’s new president David Sheehan.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will give an average €7,000 to each of the ISA’s 120 agricultural shows.

“This funding will ensure that the smaller shows, some of which have struggled in recent years, get a greater level of assistance on a pro-rata basis,” Minister Ring said.