It started as the Adare game and country fair back in the 1980s in Adare manor grounds with Tony Ryan's Guinness Peat Aviation sponsoring a fair whack of it. It was then on par if not better than Birr in stands and attractions, then it moved to Clonshire and downsized dramatically after Adare manor was gone along with the sponsorship. Birr took over and this literally became a dog and pony show.

Trouble like with anything once a specific element and ethnic minority arrive and start becoming a regular feature it kills everything off! Add in the usual prohibitive insurance for both the organisers and the restrictions for gun dealers to show off their wares, or for clay pigeon shoots and you are soon out of options as to what to attract people with. Even horsemanship events are becoming difficult due to insurance risks and costs.

You can just get caught so many times paying 12 quid parking, and then 12.50 per skull going into this with entrance fees. All the while being asked "Wanna buy a grand Lurcher boss?" by at least four individuals with said dogs on offer with a baler twine leash while eyeing up your gun case.

Its a pity as they were good days out and memories, but too expensive for whats on offer anymore here in the 26.

Pity they don't use the superb indoor horse riding arena they have in Clonshire for people in the trade to show off their ware. It would surely be easier to secure it than having stalls out in an open field. And if the weather is bad it wouldn't interfere with any of the merchandise.