OUT IN FORCE!

By Noel O’Driscoll
KILDARE County Show was once again blessed with wonderful weather as those who came along to the Showgrounds in Athy basked in a carnival atmosphere. Entry to the show was just €5 for adults and free for children and this – along with the good weather – ensured that the event was enjoyed by many.
The show had a very distinctly French theme with 28 visitors from Athy’s twin town Grandvilliers in attendance at the show. There was also a French tourism stand which had French produce for the locals to sample.
The show parade was led by a Harley Davidson and the Athy town crier Martin Chanders, who was closely followed by Churchtown pipe band. The 2011 Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu was centre stage in an army tank, followed by the 2011 Kildare Rose Claire Walsh and Ms Grandvilliers Marion Soulabail, who were transported in a vintage car.
The army was out in force and there was also a large display of Kildare Fire Service cutting equipment in association with the Kildare County Council Road safety office. Ben Woodhouse of Athy Fire Service and the Kildare County Council road safety officer Declan Keogh talked through a fire service exercise which showed how a casualty would be cut from a car in the event of an accident.
On a different planet entirely were the Star Wars characters from the ‘Emerald Garrison’ Club, who were joined by members of Aontas Ogra Athy dressed as Jedi Knights.
The day also featured archery and fishing for the children, as well as a Guinness world record attempt in the training of people in first aid.
Kildare County Show president Brian Ashmore said: “The show went very well, helped by the great weather. The gates might have been down slightly, but not by much. Planning will begin shortly for next year’s event and it’s a very positive sign that many of our exhibitors have already expressed an interest in coming back next year.”

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