Star-studded guest list to attend Clonmany Agricultural Show

The former RTÉ Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy, along with other public figures, has been confirmed to attend this year's Clonmany Agricultural Show.

The 57th Clonmany Agricultural Show takes place in Inishowen from Tuesday, 4th to Wednesday, 5th August.

Taking place for the 57th year in Inishowen, from Tuesday, 4th to Wednesday, 5th August, the event will be officially opened by Majella O'Donnell, incorporates the Taste of Inishowen Food Festival and the North West Shearing Championships, and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the northwest and beyond.

Mary Kennedy said: "Nationwide brought me to every corner of this country, and Donegal always gave me some of my warmest welcomes. I'm delighted to be back in Inishowen for the Clonmany Show; it's the kind of event that shows exactly why rural Ireland has such heart, and I'm really looking forward to it."

The show will be officially opened by Majella O'Donnell, who said: "I'm honoured to be asked to open the Clonmany Agricultural Show. It's such a special event for Inishowen and for Donegal. There's so much on offer for all the family, from livestock and championships to food, music and children's entertainment; it promises to be a great day out for all ages."

Majella and Mary join a headline line-up of special guests including Margo, Daithí O'Sé and Noel Cunningham, alongside a full chefs' line-up featuring Brian McDermott, Paula McIntyre, Wendy Dempster, Jason McKay, Kateann Sexton and Peter Campbell, as well as live Irish country music, jiving championships, cookery demonstrations and fashion shows.

This year's show will also welcome a number of Food Coast Donegal members, who will be on hand to showcase the very best of the region's food and drink producers. Food Coast Donegal is working alongside Taste Causeway and Legenderry networks under a cross-border partnership to bring the best of producers and businesses from the North West to the festival, expanding the offering for visitors.

Among those taking part are Jason McKay of 10 Arches in Malin, Kate Anne Sexton of Cúl a' Tí catering, Wendy Dempster of The Lamb Van, and Peter Campbell of Peter Campbell Catering, alongside a wider line-up including Kombucha Na Dálaigh, Wild Fuschia, Donegal Sea Salt, Maddy's Sweet Treats, Love A Little Sauces, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Ulster Mead Co., The Chocolate Manor, Carrick Foods, Wild Atlantic Distillery, Dunluce Distillery, Coco Milis, The Milk Bar, Ocean Deli, Moyletra Moileds, Dart Mountain Cheese, Filligans, Castle Grove Country House, and Ah Crumbs. The full listing brings together food and drink producers from both sides of the border, reflecting the strength of collaboration between Donegal and the wider North West region and giving festival-goers a genuine taste of what the area has to offer.

Alongside a stellar food line-up, the show will host the All-Ireland Sheep Shearing and Open Sheep Shearing Championships, sheepdog trials, showjumping, and a full agricultural show encompassing livestock, home industries, poultry and rare breeds. A Guinness World Record attempt at sheaf throwing, tug of war and monster draw features alongside trade stands, food outlets, children's amusements, an environmental exhibition and a dedicated sensory marquee for children with special needs.

The show also features the North West Open Young Stockperson Championships in both sheep and cattle, the North West Open Ladies Stockperson Championship, and a junior baker championship across three age categories.