Organisers of the Iverk Show, the longest running agricultural show in Ireland, have officially announced the cancellation of the event for the second year running due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Organisers of the show, which was founded in 1826 and takes places in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, are hopeful that the show can go ahead next year.

The organisers said that they have “big plans” for the 2022 edition, which is scheduled to take place on August 27, 2022.

Image source: Iverk Show

Speaking on KCLR News earlier today (April 7), Norman Storey, PRO of the Iverk Show, said:

“It’s mainly due to the uncertainty surrounding the short term and medium term plans for under Covid restrictions that we weren’t sure.

“I mean all the planning has got to start now because it’s a big show, it just doesn’t happen overnight so we had to make an early decision unfortunately.

“We regret it very much but all being well we look forward to 2022 when we’re all hopefully vaccinated and all being well again.”

Shows advised to cancel

The Irish Shows Association (ISA), had previously advised its members to cancel all shows for 2021 due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and the restrictions put in place to contain the spread of the virus.

In a statement posted online, the ISA said it had “held off for as long as possible” in making the statement, hoping for government clarification.

“That clarification and advice has not been forthcoming due to the everchanging nature of the situation.

“We are looking forward to receiving some clear guidance,” the statement read.

“After consultation with our members, the board of the ISA has no choice at this time but to advise our member shows not to run in 2021, until such time as the appropriate authorities deem that it is safe to do so.”

The organisers of the Armagh County Agricultural Show announced on March 15 that the 2021 edition of the show, which was due to take place on June 12 was cancelled for the second year running.