ISA SuperShow Platform Launched

   03 Feb 2023

The Irish Shows Association (ISA) is delighted to announce the launch of its ISA SuperShow Platform, an integrated show management IT system, which will be available to its members throughout Ireland. During the enforced break in ISA’s regular activities due to COVID-19, the association was able to focus on bringing this innovative digitalisation project to fruition.

View the full list of ISA SuperShow Platform Shows on ISA Show Directory (Participating Shows) 

In recent years, shows have found it increasingly difficult to attract people to administrative positions due to the significant time and paperwork involved. Recognising the need to future-proof their shows, the ISA set about seeking funding to develop a cloud-based show management system to reduce the administrative burden on the agricultural show volunteers.

Following investment in market research and a feasibility study, the ISA went to tender and awarded the contract to Irish software development and integration company, Dotser. The ISA is delighted to partner with an indigenous Irish company to provide this exciting ICT solution to member shows. This new system will allow organisers/entrants/participants to log information, such as animal details, only once and use this same data for their next show.

The project is part-funded under the LEADER national cooperation programme, which is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture as part of Project Ireland 2040.

The project is being led out by Monaghan Integrated Development CLG in partnership with Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG, Galway Rural Development CLG and Southwest Mayo Development Company CLG.

Gabriel O'Connell, CEO of Monaghan Integrated Development and Lead project Partner says: “It has been a great pleasure to work with the Board of the Irish Shows Association and being able to support this worthwhile project under the LEADER National Cooperation Measure. He noted that Monaghan LEADER Local Action Group was on board from the start, cooperation funding meant we could pool together resources from the 4 counties involved and provide the support needed to develop this innovative shows management system which will make sure local agricultural shows in Ireland continue in the community well into the future."

Sabina Trench of Southwest Mayo Development Company and project partner says: “It has been a great pleasure to work with the Board of the Irish Shows Association and being able to support this worthwhile project under the LEADER National Cooperation Measure. She noted that Monaghan LCDC was on board from the start, cooperation funding meant we could pool together resources from the four counties and provide the support needed to develop this innovative shows management system which will make sure local agricultural shows in Ireland continue in the community well into the future."

John O’Sullivan, Chair of the West Cork LCDC and LEADER Cooperation project partner commended this ambitious project stating that the platform will “greatly enhance the work undertaken by ISA volunteers both locally and regionally. This will, in turn, improve the organisation of such events and the visitor experience, while increasing prosperity in our rural communities. Cork County Council, the West Cork LCDC and Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG are delighted to cooperate with Monaghan, Mayo, Galway and the Irish Shows Association through our LEADER Cooperation measure”.

Steve Dolan from Galway Rural Development CLG said “Aside from the contribution to the rural economy, agricultural shows provide for great community events. Agricultural shows also provide entertainment for families, with Galway amongst the most vibrant in that regard.”

“I can only praise the Irish Shows Association, and acknowledge our partners Monaghan Integrated Development, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, and Southwest Mayo Development. We all work hard to promote the rural economy, and a smart rural future.”

45 ISA member shows will be live on the new system for the coming showing season and exhibitors are encouraged to avail of this very useful service. A list of all participating shows will be published on the Irish Shows Association website, www.irishshows.org.

Commenting on the announcement of the confirmed contract; Loughnan Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at Dotser says “we are delighted to have been awarded this tender to power all ISA shows with the ISA SuperShow Platform, and excited for each of the shows who will benefit greatly from the system, and their local economies and communities. Being the culmination of 20 years development and fine-tuning work on the ground in the agriculture and events industry and with voluntary organisation structures, we have arrived at what is now the most ideal show management solution for the Irish Shows Association’s members. We look forward to a seamless roll out, and incredible results for everyone involved”.

The roll-out of the project has commenced with training actively underway including a session held at the recent ISA AGM, where Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys commended the ISA for "the great work being done in digitising and future proofing the shows".

Participating Shows in 2023

Shows interested in taking up the package in 2024 are asked to lodge an expression of interest with the ISA office as soon as possible.