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.

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.

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.