The event was one of the oldest two-day agricultural shows in Ireland, and while there was an absence due to Covid on return, Necarne Castle became the new venue in 2024, and it was contended there were ambitious plans for expansion.
However with costs constantly rising, significant pressures were placed on organisers struggling to deliver the event, while keeping aligned to mandatory risk assessments and safety training for a voluntary workforce.
When this became apparent councillors expressed disappointment and requested a meeting with the show directors but this was turned down as they were: “not interested in meeting anyone or any group at this stage.”
Councillor Sheamus Greene raised the matter at the recent Policy and Resources Committee meeting and enquired if there are plans to be restarted.
He said: “The Fermanagh County Show was a great event and one of the oldest in Ireland. It drew a huge amount of people, rural and urban alike.”
Director of Community and Wellbeing John Boyle responded: “I’m not aware if there are plans for 2026 and I haven’t seen the sponsorship application to council by which we would supply support. I know (the show) moved to the Necarne Estate in it’s last year and there were discussions as it wasn’t regarded by the organisers to be a success. There were soundings at that stage that another group would take it over but I’m not aware if that has happened yet.”
He continued: “It was certainly a very successful and important show and it would be great to see it back on the agenda again but it is a huge undertaking. I would certainly need a body who would be prepared to take it on.”
Councillor Greene recognised there will be no show this year but: “Could the council try to contact groups and past or potential future organisers to see if something could be done. I attended the shows including the last one at Necarne and it was fantastic. I was really surprised that it didn’t continue on.
"It’s a ready-made event and there people with experience of running it for many successful years. Necarne seemed to be ideal.”
Party colleague Councillor Barry McElduff agreed telling members: “The value of a show is very important. I previously attended the Fermanagh County Show too and while I’d be more family with Omagh County Show by the Tyrone Farming Society. I learned that DAERA (Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs) tend not to make any funding contribution towards shows of this nature which is an anomaly. The Department in the South does make a financial contribution to shows.”
He proposed writing to DAERA enquiring of they would consider financial support for shows which: “May play a part in kickstarting a fresh approach for Fermanagh County Show.”
This was supported unanimously across the chamber.
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Sheamus Greene. Photo: Pat McSorley