Make it your business to attend Iverk Show in South Kilkenny this year

Last year every one was delighted to be celebrating the return of the Iverk Show after a break of three years due to the Covid. And what a great date it was, thanks to you – the exhibitors, the sponsors, the public services and you our visitors and supporters.

Were you there last year? Were you in the huge crowd? If not why not make it your business to attend on August 26.

This year, we will be celebrating the 197th year since the first show was held in 1826 — a remarkable achievement.

Believe it or not the aims of the show are much the same today as back then. The show was started to encourage exhibitors to grow and produce or make better produce.

Here are just some of the highlights this year. The Iverk Show cat-walk will displaying the latest fashion in ladies, gents, and children’s clothes.

Participating stores include from Carrick on Suir - Dove Hill; Kilkenny - Connolly’s Red Mills Store, Lily Rose Boutique, Lady Lorna Designer Emporium, Vila; Clonmel – Corcra, Jillies Children’s Boutique, Pavoni; and Waterford – Benetton, TRM, Regatta, Adara.

There will be two shows during the day and both will vary. The times are 11.30am and 3pm.

Yes, the ‘Best Dressed Lady is back again this year with some super prizes. First prize is a €500 voucher for Red Mills Super Store in Kilkenny. Second prize is a voucher for A and EB Jewellers in Clonmel. Our third prize winner will be able to spend a night in the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny. Ladies you enter on the day.

This year there are over 70 classes in the in the Iverk Show Arts and Crafts marque. There are classes for decorated masks, poetry and creative handwriting for junior schools and metalwork, woodwork, fabric work and modelling in any medium for second level school.

In the livestock sections we have five All-Ireland competition finals. The animals exhibited will have qualified from all over Ireland so we expect the standard to be very high.

On entering the Iverk Show grounds, the first competitions you will see are the vegetables. And these are magnificent. Do you ever wonder how an exhibitor can grow a carrot up to two feet long and perfectly straight? Well, you will have to come along and ask as we cannot reveal the ‘growing for show’ secrets!

FASCINATING

Have you ever put your head into the Red Mills poultry marquee at Iverk Show and walked around? It is a fascinating exercise.

It is amazing all the different breeds. There are also some water fowl.

One of the most interesting areas of the Iverk Show is the vintage display especially for those of us that are on the wrong side of. It can bring tears to the eyes as you recall parts of our lives of yesteryear.

One of the best jobs on Iverk Show day must be the judging of the baking classes. Even as one walks past the exhibits the sights and smells would make your mouth water. The creations made by the exhibitors are magnificent. Their talent is to be admired.

Set on the beautiful GAA pitch the two rings are perfect for showing dogs to their best. There are classes for small or large dogs, from terriers to gun dogs, from rescue to fancy dress dogs. Nearly a class for ‘everyone in the audience’.

Located in the garden area in the first field the children’s play area is always a hive of activity during Iverk Show day. There is so much to do from free toy tractor rides to soft Tutan wall climbing, face painting, bouncy castle, and lots, lots more.

BONNY BABIES

As we all know, there is something for everyone at the Iverk Show from zero years to whatever you are yourself. We have three categories for you bonny babies – 0 to 6 months; seven to 12 months and 13 to 18 months. Every baby gets a prize. Enter on the day.

And yes, there is lots more to see at Iverk Show 2023. If you have some energy left shout on your favourite tug-o-war team including a lady’s tug event. There is flower arranging, vegetables, fruit, honey, photography and the list goes on

Call in to the information tent and we will guide you, give you directions and make your day an enjoyable one.

The good news is that the parking is free. There will be a special area for disabled parking. The entry fee has not changed even with inflation. Please, please, please obey the Gardai and stewards as they are there to help you.

So Piltown is the place to be on Saturday, August 26. See you there. Do not miss it again this year.