The Ballinasloe Union Agricultural Society

Lewis' Topographical Dictionary mentions in 1837 the existence of an Agricultural Society which held its annual meetings in October. It was formed by the advice and aid of Lord Clancarty and was the first of its kind established in Ireland. It affiliated itself to the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland on the formation of that body in 1841. The Ballinasloe Society had a model farm and a paid agricultural instructor, who went on the farms, gave advice and arranged for grants in aid of improvements. It became the exemplar for the activities of the Royal Society. Lord Cloncarty had medals struck by William Woodhouse of Dublin which were given as premiums to his tenants for superior farming. One which is extant bears the date 1845. The Ballinasloe Agricutlural Society also had a medal struck by the same firm in 1882.