Byline: by Philip Nolan

WHISPER it, but poultry are about to take over the country. At the Tullamore Show yesterday, a large sign warned of a Chicken Coup, a terrifying scenario given that the Taoiseach was striding the grounds in the bosom of his faithful Offaly electorate.

When would they strike? And how? Politicians may well be used to being egged, but seldom straight from the source. As it happened, there was no need to worry about anything other than poor spelling; the stand in question was selling chicken coops, not coups, along with kennels, fencing, dog runs and rabbit hutches.

But larger animals were the stars of the day. The Tullamore Show also is the AIB National Livestock Show, and animals in many classes were being judged yesterday.

From gorgeous Charolais and Limousins to sheep and even alpacas, they proudly strutted in the ring hoping to bring home a red rosette proclaiming them the best the country has to offer.

Fortunately, rural dwellers are a little shorter on sentiment than townies like me are, which probably is why the biggest queue of the day was at the van selling real Hereford beefburgers just metres from a pen holding live Hereford cattle. What a lovely piece of synergy -- see it, judge and, when all else fails, eat it.

The Tullamore Show is vast, and back firmly on its feet after two cancellations in recent years owing to poor weather. The estimated 60-70,000 spectators who each paid [euro]15 admission yesterday were treated to one of the sunniest days of the year and an unparalleled roster of activities and shopping. More than 650 stands were fully booked and all sorts of wares were on display, from farm machinery to food to arts and crafts and even high-end BMWs. For a day at least, there didn't seem to be much talk of recession.

The event, held on the Butterfield estate at the wonderfully named Blue Ball, a crossroads village near Tullamore, involves military planning to ensure the estimated 20,000 cars arrive and leave in an orderly fashion and the event had more of a feel of an outdoor rock concert than the country's premier agricultural show.

In the food tent, artisan producers offered a variety of treats, each more mouth-watering than the previous one. My favourites were the delicious marinades, sauces, glazes, relishes and pickles made in Nenagh by Florrie Purcell and sold under the Scullery label.

They're so yummy she has won four Best in Ireland awards from the Bridgestone Guide, three Great Taste gold awards and two Blas na hEireann gongs. Three jars -- of tomato, chilli and coriander sauce, onion marmalade and ham glaze -- are now in my fridge...