Share Energy backs Northern Ireland agricultural show circuit as rural events face rising cost pressures

Northern Ireland energy provider Share Energy has confirmed sponsorship of multiple agricultural shows across the region for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the farming sector at a time when organisers are increasingly reliant on local commercial partnerships to remain financially viable.

Farming Life reported that the sponsorships cover the Ballymoney Show on 5 and 6 June, the Newry Agricultural Show on 27 June, the Omagh Show on 4 July, the Castlewellan Agricultural Show on 18 July and the Clogher Valley Show on 30 July, with Share Energy maintaining an on-site presence across all events.

Together, the shows attract thousands of visitors each year, serving as important showcases for agriculture, local enterprise and rural engagement across Northern Ireland's farming communities.

Ailbhe McCusker, community champion at Share Energy, represented the company at the Ballymoney Show launch and at the Newry Agricultural Show announcement alongside Brian Lockhart, chair of the Newry Agricultural Show, with the partnership framed around the vital role such events play in sustaining rural life and industry connections.

The sponsorship programme reflects Share Energy's broader community engagement strategy, which includes active advocacy on energy affordability for Northern Ireland's household and business consumers, as well as ongoing engagement with rural sectors that face above-average exposure to energy costs.

Agricultural shows in Northern Ireland have faced growing financial pressure in recent years, with rising operational costs, weather uncertainty and declining public funding placing increased strain on volunteer-run organisations. Commercial sponsorship from regional businesses has become an increasingly critical component of show viability across the province.

Share Energy is a Northern Ireland-based electricity provider that operates on a profit-sharing model, positioning itself as a challenger to the established energy retail market across the region.

Find out more about Share Energy's 2026 agricultural show sponsorship programme.