Overhead view of Iverk show 2014
“It is a great pleasure for me to launch this prize schedule,” said new chairman Robert Dowley. “With a total prize fund of almost €80,000 the show continues to grow from year to year.”
In fact with the introduction of side saddle classes this year and carriage driving last year the schedule may be including classes that were part of the Iverk Show when it began in 1826. “I am sure these were included in the schedule of the very first show 189 year ago,” Robert said.
Lord Bessborough began the show to encourage local farmers and growers to produce more and better quality livestock, garden produce and handmade crafts. The vintage section of the show certainly reflects times past. Steam engines, tractors and hand tools on display are lovingly restored and cared for by their dedicated owners. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for giving us the opportunity to relive many forgotten but happy memories.
The Waterford News reported on the 1897 show as follows:
“On last Tuesday, by the kind permission of Viscount Duncannon, the seventy-first show of horses, cattle, sheep, etc. under the auspices of the Iverk Fanning Society, came off in the Bessborough Demense at Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. The exhibits were more numerous than those of last year and of better quality and all the arrangements in connection with the show, which was certainly of a highly successful character, were simply perfect. The Jumping Competition, the most attractive feature of the show was witnessed by a large assemblage of spectator. Mr. Martin Murphy, J.P. the genial proprietor of the Waterford and Tramore Racecourses, presented a silver cup, value £10 -10s – 0d, for the best performer of four years old and upwards. The judges were highly pleased with the cows and heifers exhibited, and a distinct improvement was noticed when compared with former years. Turkeys were good; geese fair; and fowl poor. The green crops, notwithstanding an unfavourable season were productive and remarkably well cultivated. There was a good show of roots but competition very poor. The apples were the finest seen this year, both for variety and quality. Flowers – there were very few entries and not much taste shown.”
The aim of the show is still the same – to display the best. So if you want to be part of this great event you can download the prize schedule from our website www.iverkshow.ie or contact the office on 051 644621 or email secretary@iverkshow.ie. If you enter on line on time you will be included in a draw for €100.
