Prize cattle wow the crowds at Cork Show

CORK Summer Show revelled in glorious sunshine, large crowds and a few record-breakers.

An estimated crowd of more than 60,000 attended the two-day event.

The show, founded over 200 years ago and which ranks as Ireland's oldest continually organised farm event, was opened by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney who said it reflected "the vibrancy" of the Irish agri-sector.

"This is a great event not just for Cork but for the entire south-west region," he said.

"It is wonderful to see such large crowds and I think it bears out the confidence within the entire agri-food sector."

The Curraheen fair grounds outside Cork city witnessed a number of 'firsts' last weekend not least the final public appearance in Ireland of the famous Aberdeen Angus champion, Rosemead Karona.

The bull, owned by Albert de Cogan of Castlemartyr, Cork has won virtually honour possible in his glittering show career.

The bull has taken Irish, European and World Championship titles but Cork Summer Show was his last public viewing before being retired to stud.

Mr de Cogan said the champion bull had literally become like a member of their family.

Pedigree

The 100-acre site hosted 1,700 animals including 700 horses, 120 sheep, 80 goats, 100 poultry and 400 cattle.

There were also more than 300 dogs competing across nine categories in the pet and pedigree dog shows.

"For more than two centuries, the Munster Agricultural Society has been at the heart of rural life and that is where we intend to remain," said Munster Agriculture Society president, Gerard Murphy.

He added part of the show's success was maintaining its traditional appeal while also adding exciting new attractions.