200 years of farming in Down

200 years of farming in Down

13 April 2016

KILLYLEAGH library is the venue later this evening for a special illustrated talk on the history of the Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill Farming Society which is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

A series of photographs form part of a fascinating exhibition which was launched at the library to coincide with the anniversary and a special bi-centennial catalogue has been published ahead of this year’s Killyleagh Show which takes place on Saturday, April 30 at the Coily Hill Road and is organised by the Society.

Tonight’s illustrated talk is being given by Robert Morrison, who is this year’s show President, and James Lindsay. It starts at 6.30pm and Robert said it is his “great privilege” to be President in its 200th year.

“It is with a sense of duty towards bygone generations who have created such a strong foundation that we organise the Killyleagh Show in this important year,” he continued.

“I know we are only custodians of Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill Farming Society and I hope to pass on to the next generation a successful and vibrant Society, which can facilitate the rural community in taking pride in a way of life that was once so important.”

The Society was formed in 1816 in response to widespread need at the time to promote better farming practices and as such it is of the oldest organisations of its kind in Ireland.

For many years, the Society successfully encouraged good farming practice with prizes being awarded at annual shows for cattle, horses, sheep, butter and cheese making. Members’ farmyards were also judged for efficiency as was the quality of their stock and produce.

There were also awards for the best cultivated farms and the cleanest and neatest cottages. The Society was even interested in the sobriety and honesty of domestic servants who were judged on their loyalty and skills.

While the organisation continued to promote good farming practice, the focus shifted to holding an annual gymkhana and show at the Killyleagh Showgrounds at the Comber Road and this continued until 1957 when costs brought the show to an end.

In 1995, Killyleagh Show in its current format was successfully re-established and held at Delamont Country Park for three years until changes within the park made it no longer suitable as a show venue.

The event continues to be an outstanding success and now features a wide range of horses and pony classes catering for all standards from those preparing for Balmoral and Dublin shows right through to lead rein classes for children making their first appearance in the show ring.

The only remaining links with the past are heavy horse classes which continue to prove popular with the older members of the farming community. The present committee members say it is with a sense of duty towards a bygone era that they put in many hours of hard work and planning to organise the current show.

Committee members feel they are the custodians of the Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill Farming Society and hope to pass it on to the next generation as a vibrant organisation which can facilitate the community in taking pride in a way of life.