Tonight, RTÉ One will air an exclusive behind the scenes documentary about Virginia Show Day.
Directed by Cavan native Alan Bradley, Show Day is a heart-warming behind-the-scenes documentary which captures the spirit of the agricultural community in rural Ireland in the run-up to the 76th Virginia Agricultural Show.
The uplifting film follows the lives of some of shows committee members and competitors in the lead up to Show Day.
The endearing documentary perfectly encapsulates the excitement as we meet David, a farmer from Monaghan, who has his eyes set on winning the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow Competition and charming 5-year-old Penney who’s anticipation is infectious as she prepares for entering the ‘best decorated wooden spoon’ competition.
Filmmaker Alan Bradley explains:"The Virginia Show has gone from strength to strength over the past 75 years with almost 200 members some spanning back three generations.
"There’s an incredible sense of pride and community spirit around Show Day which I wanted to share."
Bradley told RTÉ Lifestyle: "I grew up waking up to the noise and buzz of the stalls outside my bedroom window every year on Show Day so it was so exciting for me to be able to document this great event from my community on film.
For me it exemplifies the best attributes of the community spirit that's alive and well in my area and having been based in London for the past few years it was great to get home and into the thick of it whilst shooting the film."
The documentary which was directed and co-produced by Cavan native Alan Bradley and Cathy Dunne will debut on RTÉ One tonight 16 July 2018 at 7.30pm.
This week is #FarmSafetyWeek - read more on how to stay safe on the farm in my article here
