A record number of arts and crafts at Limerick Show this year

THERE were a huge number of fantastic entries in the arts and crafts section at Limerick Show this year.

Chairperson of the crafts committee, Anne Gabbett, said there were some really beautiful entries in the adult craft section such as crochet, patchwork and embroidery. “There was quite a selection in that competition,” said Ms Gabbett.

The girl who won the overall junior baking category last year travelled from Dublin to enter as her grandmother had presented the trophy many years ago. She also entered this year but didn’t secure a prize. “Her name is on the trophy that her grandmother presented and her grandfather comes down and presents his own mother’s trophy every year,” remarked Ms Gabbett on the proud family tradition.

In the junior craft category, the committee received entries by children who creatively decorated Pringle or crisp boxes. The winner interestingly made a box into a beautiful lighthouse. Ms Gabbett explained that the junior category caters to a wide age range from ages four to ten which means they see a lot of different talents and abilities.

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There was a competition for the best poster for the show and Ms Gabbett said the winner incorporated many aspects of the show including the crafts, fashion show, horses, cattle and sheep. “Her mother told me I can have it and I’m going to put it on display in the show office,” smiled Ms Gabbett.

There were also a lot of entries in the cooking section this year with one of the top prizes being a €50 cash prize for the best porter cake. There were entries for different breads, scones, madeira cake, lemon drizzle cake and eggs. The judge cracks the eggs and has a look to see what they’re like so she examines them not just in the shell but also on a little plate.

There is also a competition for people with special needs which the chairperson said they “take great pride in”. One talented girl won first prize for her drawing of former Liverpool FC manager, Jürgen Klopp. “She does wonderful charcoal drawings. She’s really excellent.”

Ms Gabbett said it’s “wonderful” to see the children go in to see whether they won a prize or not. “We give the younger children a highly commended because they still love to see that they got something.”

Some of the trophies are very old and one was first presented in 1956. “They’re beautiful, valuable trophies,” commented Ms Gabbett.

The arts and crafts section receives sponsorship from Limerick City and County Museum, Henry Street, and the section gives out almost €2,000 in prizes.