The 104th Clogher Valley Show brought an end to the agricultural show circuit in Northern Ireland last Wednesday with massive crowds and huge entries in all sections.

Overseeing one of the largest one-day shows in Ireland at Clogher Valley was Mrs. Ruth Montgomery, leading a Management Committee of more than 40 people and a team of stewards of around 200.

As she leads her team of volunteers in her own unflappable style, this year marks Ruth’s 25th year as Show Secretary.

“I remember being appointed Secretary in March, 1999 when I was working in Augher Creamery,” she recalls, succeeding Mrs. Bertha Willis.

Prior to this, Ruth had been stewarding in the horse field alongside her husband, Philip, who has been involved in the Show for some 40 years.

Looking back over 25 years, Ruth says there have been some massive changes, especially in administration with more risk assessments and health and safety guidelines to observe, as well as other compliance and environment issues.

This year, Clogher Valley Show had more than 500 cattle, 500 horses and some 500 sheep entered in classes with schools and home industries entries well over 1,000-strong.

During her 25 years, Ruth has also faced unexpected challenges – the whole show was cancelled in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth Disease, and also in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The horse events have been cancelled in some years due to flooding issues after periods of heavy rain.

But there have also been many proud moments for Ruth.

“My proudest moment was receiving the BEM for Services to Agriculture, especially the day the letter arrived,” said Ruth.

“You have to have a passion to be a Show Secretary, and you get out of it what you put in.”

These days, Ruth is ably supported by husband, Philip, and some of their children and grandchildren.

This year her daughter, Catherine, and her 17-year-old Ethan helped in the weeks before the Show.

Ruth and Philip also have sons – Elton and Ross – and a total of six grandchildren.

To relax after the Show day, Ruth enjoys nothing more than a quiet meal with the family.