Attack Fails To Dim Sunshine Start To Balmoral

As the police set about investigating damage caused to farm machinery at a property in Maghera - while the owner prepared for participation in the famous Royal Ulster Agricultural Show at Balmoral - there was better news for the farming community as the sun shone on the first day of the rural extravaganza in south Belfast's show grounds.

Ulster's most famous agricultural festival started this morning in bright sunshine to show off the best of Northern Ireland, offering its usual extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship.

However, deliberate damage estimated to cost upwards of £50,000 has been caused to a farm on the Tamnymartin Road, Maghera – the fourth such attack on the property since the start of the year.

Farm owner Gilbert Crawford, internationally known through his pedigree Charolais cattle, said he believed the attack - which happened early yesterday - was carried out "with a hatchet or some sort of sharp instrument".

Speaking yesterday as a clean up was being carried out on his farm, Mr Crawford said in the latest attack a cattle trailer, a forklift and a feeder were damaged.

"As yet I am not sure how much money it will take to get them fixed or if it is even worth it," he said.

"I think this happened because whoever did it knew I was planning on going to the Balmoral Show.

"I am still planning to go to show the Charlois cattle - even after this - the fourth attack."

Overall, the rural community will be putting on its collective best face during the show - which will run until Friday - covering every aspect of rural living including livestock, agricultural equipment, machinery displays and over 400 trade stands.

Show organisers promise that along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats, this year's show has added a number of interesting new features.

The 'Good Food Ambassador' and celebrated chef Jenny Bristow will also be delivering live master class sessions within the food pavilion.

Young show visitors have an opportunity to hold, stroke and feed the baby farm animals at the Asda Children's Farm and get acquainted with a range of freshwater fish including trout, bream and carp at the touch tank supplied by Northern Ireland charity Angling First.

However, other firm favourites and regular features will remain including the dog agility competition, pony club games, riding for the disabled, the sheep dog and duck display and sheep shearing contests.

Meanwhile, police last night warned that traffic delays are expected in the areas around the King's Hall for the duration of the show - in particular around Stockman's Lane, Boucher Road, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road.

(BMcC)