The Dublin Horse Show asks the public to suggest ideas for a fresh approach to the event for next year.
Attendance at this year's Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in Ballsbridge has failed to rise above last year’s poor level. Critics are asking if the poor attendance is related to the £4 entry fee for adults. Upon entry, visitors must pay a further £3 if they want a seat in the stand.
It is estimated that the RDS lost £45,000 from the show last year and it is anticipated that it will incur another loss again this year. The RDS Executive is now worried about the future of the show and today called a press conference to ask for ideas to brighten up the event.
Some people seem to think that £4 in is a bit much.
Frank O’Reilly, Chairperson of the RDS Executive, admits that the show is not as sharp and entertaining as it should be. This is something that he hopes they can put right. While he agrees that £4 entrance fee is a lot, he justifies it by saying that admission to many events has gone up in price. He also says that things like a packet of cigarettes, a newspaper and the television licence have all gone up.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 August 1981. The reporter is John McAleese.
