The Iverk Show is set to take place this Saturday, August 26, in Banagher, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.

An action-packed show is promised, with a host of activities planned for the day. Events kick off with a show-jumping competition beginning at 9:00am.

First established in 1826, the Iverk show is claimed to be the oldest show in the country – having lasted some 191 years. The total prize fund for the day is expected by organisers to be in the region of €90,000.

The show will be officially opened at 11:00am by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.

A stated aim of the show’s committee is to “encourage everyone ‘from field to fork’ to produce the best they can”.

Livestock

Beginning at 10:00am, horse and pony showing will take centre stage, before cattle judging takes place, scheduled to start at 10:30am.

Poultry judging will begin at 11:00am, while sheep classes are expected to start at 12:00pm.

There will be two Aldi/ABP Irish Angus Bull Calf Championship finals on the day, which will kick off at 12:30pm. The total Angus prize fund on the day will be €22,800.

These will be followed by the All-Ireland Broodmare and Foal Championship at 1:00pm.

There will also be a large dog show on the day, with judging taking place at 1.30pm. This will precede a ‘Dog Agility Fun Event’, pencilled in for between 2:30pm and 3:00pm.

Food Market

According to the show organisers, there will be cooking demonstrations all day at the Iverk Show Food Market, a key attraction on the day.

There will be the final of the ISA (Irish Shows Association) ‘All-Ireland Cook-Off Championship’ in conjunction with the ICA (Irish Countrywomen’s Association).

Supported by Glanbia and Kilkenny Leader Partnership, organisers have promised that there will be plenty of locally-produced foods to be tasted and purchased on the day.

The final of the All-Ireland ‘Home Cook Champion 2017’ will be held at the show, with the stated aim being ‘creativity with Irish ingredients’. There is a prize fund of €2,300, with a first prize of €1,000 for the best cook.

The competition will be run alongside a cooking demonstration by TV chef Adrian Martin – Chef Adrian. The cooking demonstrations and live cooking competition will take place alongside the show’s artisan food village.

Family events

A fashion show will begin at 12:30pm in the Fashion Hall, with another kicking off at 3:00pm.

Women will have the opportunity to enter the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’ competition, which has a first prize of dinner and a stay in the 5-star Merrion Hotel – along with €400 to spend at Louise Kennedy’s flagship fashion store. Judging for the contest will take place through the afternoon.

A Bonny Baby competition will also take place, with judging beginning at 2:45pm.

A vintage display will run throughout the day with a line-up of ‘classic’ tractors, cars, motorcycles and engines set to make an appearance on the day. There will also be an army display on the day.

Other notable attractions at the Iverk Show, which will take place throughout the event, include: a small industries hall; a rare breeds area; arts and crafts; photography; flower arranging; a family/garden area; and general entertainment.

A tug-o-war will also be contested on the day for both men’s and women’s teams.