The event is among the biggest staged by a Social Enterprise in the State each year and 2011 looks set to be no different.

Virginia Show Society is made up of almost 200 members, mainly farmers and part-time farmers and their families who also work and run local businesses. The show committee draws its membership primarily from the South-east Cavan area, and is very much cross-community in nature. Membership is drawn primarily from the farming community in Virginia and the surrounding areas of Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Mullagh, Cross, Killinkere, Munterconnaught and Oldcastle. The Committee, which now spans three generations of the same family in some cases, has successfully run Virginia Agricultural Show for the last 69 years.

The show consists of over 450 classes and 3,500 exhibits annually. 2008 marked a milestone for the Show Committee with the holding of the 25th year of the Baileys All Ireland Champion Cow Competition. Exhibitors and attendees travel from all parts of Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and overseas. It received widespread TV and media coverage both here in Ireland, Northern Ireland and in the farming press in the UK.

Although historically held midweek, the event is now staged on a Saturday allowing for massive attendances and certainly is worth a visit to see the power of community in action. For more details visit www.virginiashow.com