I doubt that there are too many people in farming circles that don’t know who Anna-May McHugh is, or indeed her daughter Anna Marie. To be fair, there are probably actually not a lot of people in the country – even outside of farming circles – that wouldn’t recognise their names. Such is the prolific rise and promotion of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) under the reign of its aforementioned, long-standing managing director and in more recent times, assistant managing director. Although perhaps the most well-known women involved in the management of an agricultural show – if you can still call the ploughing that -– they are most certainly not alone.
Earlier in the year, we had a feature celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bannow & Rathangan Show. It was the industrious chair of the show Betty Stafford who put that particular train in motion. And my introductions to the women behind Ireland’s show scene has just continued from there. It was the Virginia Show secretary Mary Gaynor who sent me the history of the show in advance of attending its launch.
Today, there are 50 female members of the society with 20 more who volunteer on the day
This history was interesting in that it clearly spoke to the gender void which was apparent in the society up to 1995, when the first female members of the society were nominated. Today, there are 50 female members of the society with 20 more who volunteer on the day.
Last weekend, I attended the Tullamore Show. I was only there an hour when a colleague of mine said: “C’mon I have to introduce you to Freda (Kinnarney) the operations manager and secretary of the show.”
Brenda Kiernan with Minister Creed and Freda Kinnarney at the Tullamore Show 2019. \ Philip Doyle
With the arrival of the Minister imminent and the show just kicking up a gear, I said I wouldn’t bother her, but later in the day I had the pleasure of meeting both her and the show chair Brenda Kiernan. The show was winding down after the day but as we spoke, there was a steady stream of people walking over to shake their hands, thanking them for their work, commending them on the show and saying what a brilliant event it had been. And it was.
The weather held, the crowds thronged and the atmosphere was really positive. People milled about, shopping, chatting, dancing and a great crowd convened at the big screen to watch Kerry put paid to the aspirations of Tyrone in the football.
Although I can completely appreciate farmers’ frustration towards the Minister, my thoughts were with the committee
Going that morning, I had been concerned what the atmosphere would be like as I had read commentary online last week where some were calling for a boycott of the show due to the Minister Creed’s appearance with the ongoing beef crisis. Although I can completely appreciate farmers’ frustration towards the Minister, my thoughts were with the committee.
I am at the moment organising an event and, as happens with these things, as the day looms closer (and I’d love to call it anticipation), a certain stress has built up.
I could imagine their stress – although having now met these ladies, I am not sure if anything could phase them.
The show day represents the culmination of a year’s work for the organising committee and the voluntary hours and effort that have already went into its preparation cannot be recouped when something else happens.
Also, if support is taken from a show for whatever reason, that can be very difficult to make up. I am glad the show went off without a hitch and the Minister went on unscathed to chair his Monday beef meeting.
Read more
Why I hate public transport - fear
'I hit one tree, I've missed thousands of tress'
I doubt that there are too many people in farming circles that don’t know who Anna-May McHugh is, or indeed her daughter Anna Marie. To be fair, there are probably actually not a lot of people in the country – even outside of farming circles – that wouldn’t recognise their names. Such is the prolific rise and promotion of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) under the reign of its aforementioned, long-standing managing director and in more recent times, assistant managing director. Although perhaps the most well-known women involved in the management of an agricultural show – if you can still call the ploughing that -– they are most certainly not alone.
Earlier in the year, we had a feature celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bannow & Rathangan Show. It was the industrious chair of the show Betty Stafford who put that particular train in motion. And my introductions to the women behind Ireland’s show scene has just continued from there. It was the Virginia Show secretary Mary Gaynor who sent me the history of the show in advance of attending its launch.
Today, there are 50 female members of the society with 20 more who volunteer on the day
This history was interesting in that it clearly spoke to the gender void which was apparent in the society up to 1995, when the first female members of the society were nominated. Today, there are 50 female members of the society with 20 more who volunteer on the day.
Last weekend, I attended the Tullamore Show. I was only there an hour when a colleague of mine said: “C’mon I have to introduce you to Freda (Kinnarney) the operations manager and secretary of the show.”
Brenda Kiernan with Minister Creed and Freda Kinnarney at the Tullamore Show 2019. \ Philip Doyle
With the arrival of the Minister imminent and the show just kicking up a gear, I said I wouldn’t bother her, but later in the day I had the pleasure of meeting both her and the show chair Brenda Kiernan. The show was winding down after the day but as we spoke, there was a steady stream of people walking over to shake their hands, thanking them for their work, commending them on the show and saying what a brilliant event it had been. And it was.
The weather held, the crowds thronged and the atmosphere was really positive. People milled about, shopping, chatting, dancing and a great crowd convened at the big screen to watch Kerry put paid to the aspirations of Tyrone in the football.
Although I can completely appreciate farmers’ frustration towards the Minister, my thoughts were with the committee
Going that morning, I had been concerned what the atmosphere would be like as I had read commentary online last week where some were calling for a boycott of the show due to the Minister Creed’s appearance with the ongoing beef crisis. Although I can completely appreciate farmers’ frustration towards the Minister, my thoughts were with the committee.
I am at the moment organising an event and, as happens with these things, as the day looms closer (and I’d love to call it anticipation), a certain stress has built up.
I could imagine their stress – although having now met these ladies, I am not sure if anything could phase them.
The show day represents the culmination of a year’s work for the organising committee and the voluntary hours and effort that have already went into its preparation cannot be recouped when something else happens.
Also, if support is taken from a show for whatever reason, that can be very difficult to make up. I am glad the show went off without a hitch and the Minister went on unscathed to chair his Monday beef meeting.
Read more
Why I hate public transport - fear
'I hit one tree, I've missed thousands of tress'
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