Thousands of exhibitors, judges and spectators flocked to Omagh at the weekend to attend Tyrone Farming Society’s 169th annual agricultural show.

Show secretary Edwin Cartwright told the Belfast Telegraph that there were in excess of 10,000 visitors to the event, and that entries in all sections were on a par with last year. “It has been another tremendous show and we are grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors and members of the public for their continued support.

“Despite a few rain showers the weather has been reasonably good and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”

There was entertainment for all ages which included a dog show, vintage vehicle display, bonny baby competition, craft fair, bouncy castle, amusements and Young Farmers’ Club events. A fashion show, nail bar, food hall and ‘pamper me sessions’ proved a big attraction for the ladies. Live music from BBC Radio Ulster broadcaster Hugo Duncan also proved a popular attraction with old and young.

Guests at the event included representatives from the Irish Shows Association, the Northern Ireland Shows Association, Graham Furey, president of the Ulster Farmers Union, and Jim Nicholson MEP.

There was a large selection of trade stands, with the award for the best trade stand presented to John Deere tractor dealership Agri-Power, based in Sixmilescross.

It was a memorable occasion for the Patterson family — John, Fiona, James and Judith from Crumlin, Co Antrim, when their home-bred Holstein champion, Ballyginniff Jasper White Rose, scooped the interbreed dairy honours and the supreme champion of champions award.

Runner-up for the champion of champions award was the dairy interbreed reserve champion, Carndreen Spirte Amy, a Holstein cow shown by John Hunter from Co Tyrone.

Leading the interbreed beef line-up was Ashleigh Victor, a senior Charolais bull shown by Sean McGovern from Clogher. Standing in reserve position was the Limousin leader, Curraghree Sensation, brought out by the Crawford trio Herbie, Raymond and Stephen from Maguiresbridge.

The second reserve beef award went to Ranfurly Weikel 3rd, who had scooped her sixth successive Simmental breed championship for owner David Hazelton from Dungannon.

Seaforde-based Suffolk sheep breeder Mark Priestley secured top honours in the interbreed sheep section.

His Suffolk ewe was adjudged NI Female of the Year in 2008, and has five interbreed championships and 14 breed championship to her credit