Chairman’s Address – Crossmolina Agricultural Show Society

Welcome to the 68th Crossmolina Agricultural Show.

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to remember those members, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, supporters, and friends of Crossmolina Agricultural Show who have passed away since our last gathering. Their contribution to the Show and to our community will not be forgotten. We extend our sincere sympathies to their families and loved ones and remember them with gratitude and respect. 

This year marks the 68th staging of our Show, a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication and commitment of generations of volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, and supporters. While the Show experienced a period of absence, we are proud that it returned in 2023 and has continued to grow stronger each year since. The enthusiasm shown by our community and visitors has been truly encouraging and has reaffirmed the importance of the Show within our community and surrounding areas.

A new initiative for 2026 is our new Community Garden Competition, an initiative designed to encourage people of all ages to get involved in gardening, enhance the beauty of our local area, and promote biodiversity. Whether it is a small flower bed, a vegetable patch, a pollinator-friendly garden, or a larger landscaped space, every effort can make a positive difference. By growing our own plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables, we not only create healthier and more sustainable communities but also provide valuable habitats for bees, butterflies and other wildlife that are so important to our environment. We encourage everyone to take part and help us foster a greener, more vibrant community for future generations.

We are also proud to introduce our new Sensory Pod, a dedicated quiet space designed to support children and individuals who may experience sensory overload or require a calm environment during their visit to the show. We recognise that large public events can sometimes be overwhelming and this facility reflects our commitment to making the show as welcoming, inclusive, and accessible as possible for everyone. We hope the Sensory Pod will provide comfort and reassurance to families, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy everything the show has to offer in a supportive and understanding environment.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our committee members and volunteers whose hard work and dedication throughout the year make this event possible. My thanks also go to our sponsors, exhibitors, judges, stewards, landowners, and all those who support us in any way. Your generosity and commitment are greatly appreciated.

As we continue to rebuild and develop the Show, we remain focused on creating an inclusive, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone while preserving the traditions that have been at the heart of the Show for nearly seven decades.

I hope you enjoy everything that the 2026 Crossmolina Agricultural Show has to offer and that you leave with happy memories of a great day in Crossmolina.

Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us ensure that this proud tradition continues for future generations.

Warm regards,

Anthony Gill, Chairperson Crossmolina Agricultural Show Committee