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The first ever Kingdom Agri Trade Show takes place in Killarney Racecourse from 2-5pm this Sunday and the message from Bank of Ireland is that they’re here to help and support farmers.

“This event is free and open to everyone, not just Bank of Ireland customers,” says Hugh Gleeson, Manager of Bank of Ireland, South Kerry. “We’ve organised it with the farming community in mind, however all members of the general public are welcome too.”

The racecourse will be divided into different zones on Sunday afternoon. The machinery zones will feature trade stands from different machinery companies showcasing the latest equipment, the agri-business zone will have trade stands from various businesses that provide services to the farming community. The vintage zone, meanwhile, will have displays of old vehicles and machinery from bygone times.

There’s also something for the little ones. You’ll find children’s games and activities, Disney characters, face painters and stalls offering ice cream and candy floss the kids’ zone. Be sure to check out the food zone and the music zone too, as well as the information and advice zone showcasing the services of companies such as agri-consultants. “We will also have a very interesting panel discussion taking place in the information and advice zone at 3pm,” says Hugh Gleeson. “Aisling O’Brien from Radio Kerry will chair a discussion, the theme- ‘the future of farming’. The other speakers will include Pat Murphy from Kerry Agri Business, Dan O’Connor from TF Casey, Michael Brosnan from IFAC, Eugene O’Doherty from Teagasc and Co. and Pat Byrnes from Bank of Ireland.

Celebrity guest Daithí ó Sé will also be in attendance as will some members of the Kerry senior football team. This event is the first of its kind to take place in Kerry but Hugh hopes for it will continue into the future.  “We see it as a way of engaging with the farming community here in Kerry and finding out just what it is that we can do to support them.”