THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: County Armagh District Show draws the crowds despite the weather

From the News Letter, August 31, 1829
Gosford Castle, the home of the Lords Gosford, on this day in 1829 the News Letter reported that Lord Gosford's “most beautiful” horse been among the winners at the Co Armagh District ShowGosford Castle, the home of the Lords Gosford, on this day in 1829 the News Letter reported that Lord Gosford's “most beautiful” horse been among the winners at the Co Armagh District Show
Gosford Castle, the home of the Lords Gosford, on this day in 1829 the News Letter reported that Lord Gosford's “most beautiful” horse been among the winners at the Co Armagh District Show

On this day in 1829 the News Letter published details of the Co Armagh District Show which had been held the previous Thursday.

While the weather proved unfavourable many turned out for the annual event including the Honourable Henry Caulfield, Acheson St George, Esq, the Rev James Jones, the Rev Mr Mangin, Maxwell Close, Esq, James Johnston, Esq, and A I Kelly, Esq.

The report detailed that among the animal on show was a “most beautiful” horse which was owned by Lord Gosford.

The best stallion the prize was won by Captain Johnston of Knappa while the first premium prize was awarded to Mr Turner Brown of the Lurgan Branch, while another prize for horses was presented to Mr Isaac Wilson of the Tynan Branch.

The News Letter also noted that a litter of pigs which a Mr Murray had sent to the show ground were immediately sold at a guinea each and it was noted by the paper that “a great many more of the same breed are engaged at the same price”.

Prize wise in the pig section the top boar prize was awarded to Mr James Wilkins of the Armagh Branch with another Armagh Branch member, a Mr Thomas McWilliams, being second place.

For the best bull of any description Mr Caulfield was awarded a medal, for the short horned breed, the first premium was awarded to Mr Atkinson of the Loughgilly Branch, with second place being awarded to Mr William Armstrong of the Tynan Branch.