Preparations underway for the return of the Iverk Agricultural Show after a two-year hiatus

The Iverk Agricultural Show near Carrick-on-Suir returns on Saturday August 27 after a two-year Covid pandemic break and for the first time has a prize pool of over €100,000 for competitions it will welcome.

The organizing committee is busy preparing the Piltown show grounds for the influx of over 20,000 visitors to the show, which is the Southeast’s largest showcase of all that is best in the agriculture and rural life.

Over the past two years, the committee has made improvements to the landscaping of the fairgrounds and a new mural has been painted at the entrance which is attracting a lot of public interest.

“We’re looking forward to the greatest show ever,” said Iverk Show President Robert Dowley.

“With over €100,000 in first-time prizes, there’s something for everyone, from international show jumping superstars to dogs, poultry, vintage crafts and machinery, fashion, all-day entertainment and more. Again.”

He pointed out that this isn’t the first time The Iverk Show has rebounded from a hiatus. In 1892 and 1951, after a ten-year break in both cases, the revival shows returned stronger than ever.

Mr Dowley said they looked forward to new competitions and events. There will be fabulous prizes to be won in the new Best Dressed Lady and Gentlemen contests. The men’s prize will be sponsored by the 5* Merrion Hotel in Dublin and there will be a €500 voucher for Kilkenny’s Red Mills superstore for the ladies.

The Aldi Irish Angus Cattle Society will be featured in the cattle section for the Irish Angus All Ireland Bull Calf Championships.

There will be 47 different competition classes in the beef section with a prize of €67,000 up for grabs.

Horse and pony competitions continue to provide opportunities for all horse riding enthusiasts.

One of the highlights will be the All-Ireland Broodmare and Foal Team Final sponsored by Frank Knight and Morris Oil. Side saddle riding lessons are always beautiful to look at and so graceful.

There will be 22 show jumping competitions taking place across four arenas.

The show will also be an opportunity to showcase your doggie. There will be 25 dog classes and all dogs are welcome. Registrations will be taken during the day.

Florists will create their own magic with some very interesting themes this year. The children’s class “All creatures large and small” will be a tribute to the imagination of young people.

Youth classes have always been a feature of the Iverk Show.

In the 1800s, local elementary schools had a school garden to encourage students to grow vegetables. The best plot won a prize for the child and the supervising teacher.

Visitors to the fair will also be able to discover the pastry, crafts and photography courses.

There will be more than 50 entries competing for the top prize in the show’s famous cherry cake contest.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to browse over 300 shopping stalls as well as a food market and garden.

Many activities will also be offered to children.

The Iverk Fashion Show, meanwhile, will be full of style and there will also be a cute baby contest for toddlers under 18 months.

Free parking will be made available to visitors with a space dedicated to disabled people.

For more information log on to www.iverkshow.ie. You can also follow The Iverk Show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.