National Truck Show: Bigger and Better

For the second year running the National Truck Show will be held on the October Bank Holiday weekend and if anyone thought that last year’s event was impressive, wait till they see this year’s show.

Last year, AMP Event Promoters were approached and asked would they consider hosting a truck show in the south-west and following some consideration, the promotions company decided to run the show.
The event turned out to be a huge success; despite being put together at a relatively short notice and organiser Kevin Mulqueen revealed to Irish Trucker that this year’s show would be bigger and better.
First of all the venue has been moved from the Showgrounds in Ennis to the Cattle Mart, Quins Road, Ennis, where all trucks will be parked on tarmacadam both inside and outside the arena.
AMP has gone to great lengths to ensure that all trucker and visitors to the show are catered for with a variety of events to be held over the course of the two days.

All awards presented will be subject to category judging and there will be many different classes catering for all truckers interested in participating. Not only that but truckers will be able to avail of the many services on offer that include a free truck wash, food court, an on site restaurant, and shower facilities amongst other amenities.
But, Kevin was keen to stress that the weekend is not just about the truckers as it is billed as a family weekend of fun with Dad, Mam and the kids all catered for.

“Apart from the competition for the truckers, there will be live music on both nights, while there will also be a Top Drifting Exhibition by Prodrift; Ireland’s number one stunt riding champions Mattie Griffin will give an exhibition as well all the latest trucks being on display from the various dealers coming,” said Kevin.

“There will also be a full range of kids’ activities including mini quads, bungee trampolines and bouncing castles to name just a few. We are also having a charity bungee jump for those of who are brave enough.”
AMP is one of the few companies in the country that are capable of organising such an event and their attention to detail sets them ahead of their rivals. The National Truck Show is unlike any other show of its kind as the amount of events taking place far exceeds that of its rivals. Kevin and his business partners Gabriel Moloney and Eric McNamara have the experience to host such an event.
“We have organised many shows and have ran many in the past. Last year was the first year of this and we were determined to make it bigger this year. The fact that we have moved to a bigger location where more trucks will be able to park will attract more interested parties.”

The spirit of competition that manifests itself at these shows can be as intense as any sporting contest. The fevered brow of competitors just before the judging is announced and the inevitable post mortems that take place later are all part and parcel of these events.
The banter that accompanies these events is an essential ingredient. So too is the praise and admiration that is heaped on the various winners. And where there are winners, there must be losers and the promise to come back next year with a winning entry. “We are here to deliver a fantastic show, but the hauliers have to support us. We need everybody to work together to make this a weekend to remember. If we put it all together we can have a great weekend in Ennis.

“We’re not interested in taking in entire fleets or ten trucks from one yard. We’re asking operators to enter only their best truck or two of their best so that we can get the best 400 trucks in the country all into one venue. We’ve also selected two designated charities and a percentage of the money we raise from admissions will be donated to those.”
Kevin also stressed the importance of the sponsors whose support is essential to the organising and running of the show, particularly the main sponsors.

“There are so many local businesses that really helped out and in particular Whelan’s Limestone Quarries and Rathcoole Construction, who both are the main sponsors of the event.”
Entries for trucks have been set at €50 with an additional €10 for entry to the categories with all vehicles having to be at the venue at 12 midnight the night before the official opening.
“We must implore this on all truckers attending that they must be at the Cattle Mart by 12 midnight the night before the show starts.”
As stated this year’s show will be held on October 26th-27th and all vendors and traders are asked to contact organiser Kevin Mulqueen on 086-0850015.

For those interested in staying down in Ennis over the weekend, AMP has organized special rates through their new partnership with The Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis. You can view it on the web at www.auburnlodge.com/index.php?r=7050
The Special Rates are:
2 nights bed & breakfast with 1 dinner €119pps
2 nights bed & breakfast €105pps
2 nights room only €89pps

Munster has strong links with the haulage industry as there are many truckers operating in the south and this alone should ensure a big turn out for this year’s show, but remember the weekend is not all about the haulier as it is a family affair as well.
“The Leading Family Entertainment and Trucking Event in Ireland”

In case you missed it, the 2007 National Truck Show which happened on the October bank holiday weekend was a highly successful weekend and fun was had by all. But don't fret, the 2008 National Truck Shown marks the beginning of something bigger and better to come. For 2008 we have moved to a new and bigger venue located in the heart of Ennis town, the Clare Marts, will host this year’s unforgettable truck show. Adjacent to Ennis Train and Bus stations and in walking distance of Ennis town centre it is easily accessible for those who wish to stay in the town for the weekend. A.M.P Event Promoters are re-vamping, and expanding the show taking it to the next level. The new venue is completely tarmac with plenty of space for each truck to be displayed ensuring all trucks are looking their very best and for the truckers themselves there will be free onsite shower facilities. The National Truck Show 2008 is destined to become the greatest truck show Ireland will ever know. Expect things you have never seen before.
Included in the weekends activities,

• All major trucks, trailer, engines, components and truck parts with aftermarket products.
• Interactive exhibits on display in the extensive auto accessory booth area.
• See Mattie Griffin, Irelands No1 stunt riding champion and placed 5th in the world championships demonstrating his skills over the weekend. www.mgstuntriding.com
• Top Drifting Exhibition by Prodrift – www.prodriftirl.com
• Off road 4x4 challenge.
• Onsite musical entertainment to keep the truckers and public entrained.
• Charity Bungee jump, please visit our website for more information.
• There will also be a full range of kid activities to make it a fun outing for the whole family.
• Plus much more to be announced.

A.M.P Event Promoters will keep the suspense ongoing right up until the show day. It is vital that you mark these dates in your calendar now, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th of October. For further information and to keep up to date with the activities and the attractions check out our website www.amp-ennis.ie

Traders or vendors, should your business wish to attend this event, set up a trade stand, make the most of your presence and avail of these great promotional opportunities please visit our website to download Vendors application form or contact Kevin Mulqueen on 086-0850015 / e-mail kevin@amp-ennis.ie
Truckers please visit our website to download Truck Show application form and chosen categories of class/classes to be entered for top prizes. Please return application ASAP to secure your place in this year’s show. Entry form must be submitted no later than 15th October 2008, No Acceptions.

Note: Entrants with more than one vehicle entering please download more copies, one form per truck.

A.M.P Event Promoters would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who gave the National Truck Show 2007 there one hundred present support and also in supporting our chosen charities, the voluntary organization Aware – Helping to Defeat Depression www.aware.ie and Living Links www.livinglinks.ie Providing assertive outreach support to the suicide bereaved.

See you there