The scene is set and the grounds are close to ready for the 80th annual Virginia Show which takes place next Wednesday in the Co Cavan town. Speaking to Shannonside Northern Sound, Chairman Owen Brody pointed to how the town is a "hive of activity" at the moment as the final touches are put to proceedings.
He says there has been over 4,000 entries from exhibitors this year - a fete that highlights all the more the agricultural show's popularity nationally. This year, the Diageo Bailey's Champion Cow will attract a prize fund of €13,000 with a bumper crop of cows vying for the much-coveted title.
Mr Brody added that the adverse weather conditions of late haven't dampened organisers spirits in any way and right now "it's all systems go for Virginia Show". "It's our 80th show which is a big celebration for us. We have a specific stall laid out with a lot of memorabilia and photographs that have been saved electronically over the years.
"The theme of our show this year is 'Women in Agriculture' and we have a great conference taking place at 11am in the school canteen. The theme of the conference is 'Finding the Balance' and that is something that will be of interest to a lot of people," he said.
