Showtime…Again !

So, another day…another show to go to  –even after another late night !, although we were a little slow to start. We went different ways Sean leading a little gang to Castlebar, where his wife’s family grave is, whilst the rest of us went to Bonnyconlon Agricultural and country show… I can’t say I was delighted to be going, however I must say I was glad I went !

Anthony drove us over to the show, along the winding lanes of Attymass, and we arrived at a massive show spread over I don’t know how many fields – clearly not a small little show ! As we walked in there was a big map setting out what there was to be seen, I can’t say I paid much attention to it…but should have done !

Firstly me and Rebecca sampled a Road safety stand, with the ‘opportunity’ to be in a car as it ‘rolled over’..what appeared to be a little fun, was quite unnerving as we hung upside down in the car, only held in by our seatbelts !, the blood certainly pumped into my brains.. then as we staggered around, Anthony took part in a live radio broadcast from the showground and had to make another speech during the official ‘opening’ of the show, along with lots of Politicians (who all had their say), then we were able to get around the showground to see what was on offer…I was able to watch a cousin Ronnie having a ‘go’ at woodturning  and then after a simple burger, I managed to get a seat near the stage where the musicians dancers and singers were going to perform again – and just sat there in the sunshine, not as sunny or hot as yesterday ,thankfully, but still quite pleasant.. there were things happening all around the showground, with vast crowds to enjoy and support everything

Eventually the Manchester/Mayo display took place, with a combined presentation from all of the differing groups that had taken part over the weekend- to great acclaim from the large crowd that had gathered… after which I continued going around, sampling a great plateful of mackerel fillets,mussels,and potatoes..followed by some Garlic and herb ‘Boxties’ smothered in butter,washed down with a great mug of tea, all for the princely sum of $9 !

I spent some time watching them tossing a sheaf of corn over a great high bar that had been erected ,all very serious as the ‘All Ireland’ champion was tossing !

I went into the produce and flowers show area also,with displays of everything flowers ,cakes..even sods of turf,nicely wrapped and ribboned !

Then it was back home, for a rest ? No chance ! the small ones wanted a bike ride, so off the three of us went, firstly to my Aunts down the lane, where another cousins husband displayed his skill at riding my bike backwards.. and then as we went into the woods I spotted a faint trail which led up a hill called ‘Eshker’ which my father often spoke about climbing with the cows, and so, although the trail is no longer used and well overgrown we set off on our intrepid mission to reach the top beating our way through the brambles and long grasses and ferns.. as we neared the top we passed a couple of old abandoned tin roofed cottages and eventually broke out into clearer grassland, with the top in sight –after we’d climbed a gate and raced to the top (don’t ask who won the race !) and had a great view all around the area –now I can tell Dad we’ve made it !

We all then raced down and back home for a snack, and for me – an early’ish night (11 p.m. !) Another day done, Goodnight !