Tullamore Show

The first official show of the Tullamore Pastoral and Horticultural Association was held in 1918. There had previously been local fairs which were great social gatherings in the district. Horse and human races were held, with clay target shooting as another attraction. Early records of the P and H Association have been mislaid over the years but it is believed that Jim McColl was the first president. Later presidents have included Ronald Clemens, G. and K. Rathbone, M. Harriott and W. Colville. Livestock, sheep and wool were the main features of early shows, with big entries of draught horses. The coming of the railway to Tullamore in 1908 also meant the coming of wheat-growing and mixed farming on a big scale.