Lurgan Show 2026 – a tremendous showcase for livestock excellence and community spirit
The country came to town for Lurgan Show, with rain showers failing to dampen the spirits of exhibitors, sponsors and spectators who turned out to support the annual event.
Hosted by Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Show Society, this year's agri-food showcase attracted increased entries across all sections, highlighting the continued strength and popularity of one of Northern Ireland's longest-established agricultural shows.
Set against the idyllic backdrop of Lurgan Park, the show offered an impressive display of horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, poultry and goats.
The Craft Village and Food Heartland marquee were bigger than ever, with visitors treated to a BBQ cookery demonstration by Paula McIntyre. The celebrity chef used local produce from the artisan food businesses exhibiting at the show.
A number of guests, local councillors and politicians attended the show and mingled with the crowds. Among them were ISA president Freda Kinnarney, ISA NI Region chairman Marjory Blackburn, UFU vice-president Clement Lynch, and representatives from Ballyshannon Show, who has teamed with Lurgan to receive funding from the PEACEPLUS initiative. Also in attendance were newly elected ABC Council Lord Mayor Mary O’Dowd, Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.
Ms Lockhart said the local show provided a valuable opportunity for farming families to take a break from daily pressures and enjoy a social occasion with friends and neighbours.
“This is a tremendous showcase for agriculture, food, equestrian excellence and community spirit in the heart of Lurgan. There is something for everyone. The success of Lurgan Show is testimony to the tireless dedication of the organising committee and a strong team of volunteers.”
“It is fantastic to see such an array of livestock, and the impressive variety of entries in the schools and home industries section. Despite the challenges facing the agricultural industry, the atmosphere was positive with strong entries and keen competition, underlining the important role agricultural shows continue to play in rural life.”
Show secretary and treasurer Michele is celebrating 25 years at the helm. She thanked the many sponsors for their continued and generous support. This year’s nominated charity is Moira Branch of Cancer Research UK.
In the sheep section a Charollais ewe exhibited by Diane Christie and Trevor Bell claimed its second successive interbreed championship. The ewe’s sire had a successful show career for the Comber-based Lornbrook flock, only beaten once in seven years. Her son has been retained as a stock ram.
Judge Howard McIlwaine from Hillsborough said: “This is a fantastic example of the breed with good overall conformation - an easy winner on the day.”
Runner-up was a Rouge de l’Ouest two-shear ram from Michael and Alison Graham’s 20-ewe Tullyvallen flock at Antrim. This home-bred ram was male champion at Balmoral last month. His daughter was supreme breed and interbreed champion at Balmoral; while his full brother was a class winner at the 2025 Royal Highland Show.
Also celebrating in the sheep section was Kerryhill breeder Amy Dougan from Dromara, who was crowned champion young handler for the second year in succession.
Claiming the supreme champion of champions plaudits in the cattle section, was the Jersey cow Potterswalls Victorious Season EX93, bred by the Fleming Family from Seaforde. This fourth lactation cow was reserve breed champion and a member of the winning interbreed pair and group at Balmoral Show. She gave over 9,000 litres of milk at 6.1% butterfat and 4.2% protein in her third lactation.
Dairy judge Karen Wadsworth from Lisburn said: “The Jersey and interbreed dairy champion is a super mature cow with a snug and milky udder.”
The reserve interbreed dairy honours went to the Holstein champion, Conncorr Chief Bonnie, a nine-month-old heifer shown by Noel and Daniel Willis, Portadown. “This is a very correct, well-balanced calf that walks well on good feet and legs,” explained Mrs Wadsworth.
Securing the interbreed beef title was the Limousin champion Rathkeeland Tenddresse, bred and exhibited by Herbie Crawford, and son Stephen, from Maguiresbridge.
This four-year-old cow was shown with her January-born heifer calf at foot. A first prize winner at Balmoral, she won the interbreed championship at Ballymena Show. Tenddresse was crowned NI Limousin Club Show Animal of the Year in 2024.
Standing reserve in the interbreed beef line-up was the Simmental champion Ballinlare Farm Ritz bred by Joe and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. This two-year-old heifer was sired by the herd’s stock bull Big Hill Magic.