All systems go for Clonmel Show, one of the great events of the summer in Tipperary

At 9am on this Sunday, July 2 the Clonmel Show will open its gates in Powerstown Park to the public, with the judging of 66 Horse and Pony classes, along with the start of 21 showjumping competitions in four arenas.

For the public, the show really swings into action around midday, and the early arrivals will get the best spots in the car parks.

Children under 12 are admitted free and a family ticket costing €30 will get the family into the show.

There are special concessions available for grandads and grandmothers, as well as students.

Individual adults will be charged €15 at the turnstiles but tickets may be bought in advance at a discount online at clonmelshow.ie.

The carnival amusements are free to children and they can always get a second or third or fourth go throughout the day.

Children may also come up close to and meet some small farm animals, alpacas and pets.

A Puppet Show will play throughout the afternoon in the Food Village, where a great choice of foods will be available at reasonable prices, with the facility to sit at a picnic table under canvas, eat delicious food and listen to Gina and the Champions provide lovely, lively music and song in a secure family setting.

The pet show will be judged around 3.30pm, with every child who shows their pet getting a prize. Special prizes will be awarded to the best pet, the cuddliest, friendliest and most strange pet, to mention but a few of the categories.

The 44th running of Clonmel Show’s Unique Donkey Derby will take place around 5.15pm.

There will be ten jockeys and their asses in each heat, with the top five in each heat qualifying for the much- anticipated final. Star Fuels sponsor the Derby.

In the past nuns, TDs and senators, newspaper editors, A Rose of Tralee and Miley from Glenroe have all ridden in this race.

Derby (Irish and English), Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockeys have also ridden in this unique Derby, which was won last year by the now retired Davy Russell.

To cater for the expected large crowds the show organisers, along with the very helpful local Gardaí are advising those coming from the Waterford/Kilkenny side to divert into the Gortnafleur car park, which will be signposted.

Shuttle buses will then bring patrons (including buggies) right up to the turnstiles and deliver them back to the car park whenever they wish to go back to their cars. The shuttle buses and car parking are free of charge.

Sunday July 2 is a day not to be missed and for all to come along and have a special family day out at the Clonmel Show.

A significant portion of the admission price will be donated to local charities after the show.