More than 20,000 people are expected at this year’s Iverk Show, which takes place on Saturday 24 August at the showgrounds in Piltown, Kilkenny.
Speaking to AgriLand, President Joe Malone said orgnisiaers are expecting the attendance figures to jump, “seen as Kilkenny didn’t make it to Croke Park!” he joked.
Th Iverk Show is Ireland’s oldest county show, celebrating its 187th year this year.
New to the show this year is the biggest beef class in Ireland with a prize fund of €11,000, explained the show president.
“This takes place in Ring 4 at approximately 2pm. This competition is sponsored by Aldi, ABP Group and Irish Angus, this is an opportunity for the spectators to see for themselves the top-quality animals that provides them with the meat they buy from their butchers and supermarkets.”
In addition, Dawn Meats is having a display of live cattle for the public to judge and will be speaking throughout the day about this.
As usual the committee have drawn up a huge number of events in all sections of the showgrounds with 45 cattle classes and 50 horse classes providing the main events of the day.
More than 200 trade stands plus the dog show, sheep, a vintage display, the most appropriately dressed lady and the Bonny Baby Competition all add up to help fill the grounds.
As usual the Great Cherry Cake Competition heads the list in the jams, cakes and fruit sections. “This is most contest,” Malone said. “So far it has 80 entries in the cherry cake class alone.”
The garden and family area plus the poultry marquee are all centred around the plaza area and they are all very near the four show jumping arenas.
The crafts section for adults and school children is in the usual place, central to everything and many other attractions, all help to keep you busy as you stroll around the grounds, which have roadways in all different areas for easy access.
The show was established in 1826 by Lord Bessborough of Bessborough House and now home to Kildalton College, to form the first Agricultural Show in Ireland. Glanbia will have serious presence at the show including Siobhan Talbot, the new incoming CEO.
Car parking is very convenient to the grounds, free and all is needed is Iverk’s usual sunny day for all visitors to come to Piltown.
Images courtesy Iverk Show
