News
All Ireland Broodmare and Foal Championship
We are delighted to announce the 'Investec Wealth and Investment' are continuing with their sponsorship of the All Ireland Broodmare and Foal Team Championship. During the season, beginning in May, there will be qualifiers at many of the shows with the final of this prestigious championship at Iverk. The full list of qualifiers will be in the ISA Yearbook which will be available shortly.
Historical Items
A Big Thank You
Fantastic. There is no other word to describe the response to our appeal of historical artifacts. We are delighted with the number of people who brought their precious memorabilia for us to photograph and record for a permanent record of years gone.
Between medals, cups and, yes, teapots we have logged over 50 items. Some go back to 1850. Many are dated and some inscribed.
If you an item please let us know. We want to make the history of our show as complete as possible. It is of course an ongoing project
We would also like to thank those members who have taken part in our Kilkenny County Council / Iverk Oral History project.
For more information please contact the Secretary or PRO on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
AGM Press Release
Do things change?
The annual general meeting of the Iverk Show took place this week in the Community Centre, Piltown following a service of remembrance and thanksgiving in St Pauls Church of Ireland.
The large attendance heard the good news that last year’s show was another resounding success in every way including financially. However the chairman, Robert Dowley, warned that we must not become complacent as a wet day would be disastrous.
Robert complemented the members for the great effort made by all to ensure the day was a success. He singled out the land owners for special mention. Without their generosity we would not be able to hold the show we do.
Robert thanked the sponsors big and small, old and new. Already he has been getting very positive feedback from a number of existing and new sponsors. He said sponsorship is a very fluid situation and we are so grateful for their support. He thanked the media, radio, television and newspapers for their help. He said the revived fashion show was very successful and looked forward to a bigger and better one this year.
The chairman then surprised the meeting by reading an Iverk newsletter issued in 1976 – yes now 40 years ago!!!! And things don’t change:
“The committee were starting to plan for the 1977 show. The AGM was held in the Tinvane. The Bank strike caused major problems – three trade stands and three pages in the catalogue were cancelled.
Prize money was doubled. There was record advertising expenditure. Increasing entry fees were considered. Postal costs have zoomed. Hiring of tents must be reviewed. On the brighter side there were record gate receipts; revenue from the 40 trade stands almost doubled and the layout near perfect. Organising the catalogue was hard work.
The raffle was a winner. School children selling tickets was ruled out as they lose interest after they have made a few bob
The secretary still had a few unclaimed items left in the show – an umbrella, a pair of specs and believe it or not a £5 note. New members are always welcome.
The 150th birthday of the show was celebrated with a big party in Kildalton College”.
So, things do not change much. Many of these issues were discussed this year.
However a big thank you must go to those on the committees down the years for having the foresight and courage for bringing the show to where it is today
As we plan this year will be celebrating the 190th birthday of the show. It plans to be bigger than ever. We would love you to be part of it so please contact one of the committee or come along to our next meeting.
A Slice of Heaven
Iverk Show were delighted to nominate Mary McEvoy and her company 'A Slice of Heaven' for the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2015.
The Chamber of Commerce, in association with the title sponsor Glanbia, has announced the finalists for the 2015 Glanbia Kilkenny Business Awards
Having received a record number of award entry nominations across 20 categories, the Chamber of Commerce examined applications from 69 individual Kilkenny businesses. Some 45 local enterprises have been shortlisted and interviewed.
We are delighted to say that 'A Slice of Heaven' is one of these and we wish Mary every success in the final
During the interview round, finalists made a brief presentation before a panel of three Kilkenny business peers. Following this, the overall winners will be determined in each category and announced on November 21st at the Kilkenny Chamber’s flagship event, The Glanbia Kilkenny Business Awards ceremony in the Lyrath Estate Hotel.
Along with the overall 20 category winners, the prestigious ‘Business of the Year’, ‘Lifetime’ and ‘President’ Awards will also be announced at the awards ceremony on November 21st, which will, for a second year, be presented by RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy.
Mary will be joined by the cream of Kilkenny businesses at this year’s glittering black-tie event at Lyrath Estate Hotel, where the who’s who of Kilkenny business will celebrate excellence in enterprise across the county at the gala banquet. Guests can look forward to a Champagne reception and a sumptuous four course dinner followed by dancing.
Tickets for this year’s black-tie Glanbia Kilkenny Business Award ceremony are now available from €65 here on our website or by calling 056 7752767 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Iverk show 2016
Yes you are correct. In 2016 we will be celebrating the 190th birthday of the Iverk Show. We want to make it a special one.
We are looking for any historical artifacts or memorabilia. Could you let us know if you have anything in the attic such as photographs or editorials, prize list or prizes. The more the better
Iverk show on Irish TV
Did you see Iverk Show 2105 on television? The programme was produced by Irish TV and broadcast on Sky 191 on Friday the 11th September at 8 pm
We would like to know (i) if you saw the programme, (ii) what did you think of it and (iii) in what part of the country or the world did you watch it?
The chairman and committee would like to thank Irish TV for your interest in our show, Siobhan Donohoe for presenting the programme and to everyone who took part especially members of the committee.
You were fantastic and did us proud. You may even get an Oscar - you will certainly get an 'Iverk Show Oscar'.
If you missed it you will find it at www.irishtv.ie/category/ireland/leinster/kilkenny/kilkenny matters 64
2016 Show
In 2016 we will be celebrating the 190th birthday of the show since it began in 1826. This year we had visitors from at least 22 countries including China, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.
Many visitors come 'home' for the show to meet family and friends, to reminisce, to have a cup of tea and a chat
Have you been home in recent years? If not why not start planning now for next year? Let us know if we can help you. Maybe you would like to get involved in some way or in a section that stirs up fond memories for you.
This year we spoke to some who left the parish in 1963. So make 2016 YOUR year to visit Iverk Show.
Five reasons why you should come
It is that time of the year again when all roads lead to Piltown in County Kilkenny for the 189th annual Iverk Show. Here are five reasons why you should not miss this year’s event.
- Great family day out. With the end of the summer and school holidays in sight this is the last opportunity for the perfect family day out. There is a lot for all the family – grandparents, parents, children, uncles, aunts and cousins – to see and to do.
- Meet your friends. Down through the years the Iverk Show has established a reputation as a great venue for renewing friendships. Visitors come ‘home’ from around the country and from abroad just to say hello and enjoy a cuppa with family and old school friends. Once again the Show is delighted to be part of the Failte Ireland, IPB Insurance and Local Authorities Ireland Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative. The key objective of the Fund is to provide support to local and community event organisers and activities / projects that will harness Diaspora links for the benefit of local and community tourism. So if you are home from or a visitor from abroad please call in to the information stand and say hello
- See the amazing displays. With up to €80,000 in prize money available to exhibitors, it guarantees that the standard of exhibits in all sections will be excellent. Some of the leading producers of cattle, sheep and horse as well as the best growers of fruit, vegetables and flowers will also be there despite the poor summer weather. The vintage cars and machinery will be shinning, the baby chicks will be making their debut appearance in the poultry section, and the baking will be mouth watering and the crafts stunning.
- Easy to get around. During the past few years the committee have put a lot of work into improving the facilities. New permanent buildings have been built and the improved roadways make getting around very easy. There will be over 300 big and small, indoor and outdoor trade stands and the Centra food marquee with local food producers are a must
- Free parking, children’s play area and all day entertainment. The good news is that the parking remains free. There will be a special area for disabled parking. The children’s’ play area with the toy tractors rides is also free. When you have been around the show and want to relax before going home you can sit and listen to music and watch the dancing. Or if you have some energy left shout on your favourite tug-o-war team or applause the skills of the Piltown karate club’s demonstration.
Latest Fashion will be at Iverk
After an absence of a couple of years the good news is that the Iverk Show Cat-walk will be back in use for the Fashion Show 2015.Organiser Anne Marie Power says it will be bigger and better than ever.
Most of the local Boutiques will be participating. They will be displaying the latest fashion in ladies, gents and children’s clothes. The models will also be local people so it is a great opportunity especially for young people who have a modelling career in mind to give it a try.
There will be two shows during the day and it is planned that both will vary.
The Cat-walk will not be the only fashion on view. Walking around the show ground will be the entrants in the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’. They will be trying to catch the judge’s eye. They will be competing for our fabulous new prize of one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast in the luxurious 5*Merrion Hotel in Dublin.
There will also be a €400 gift voucher for Irish designer Louise Kennedy’s flagship store where the winner will enjoy a glass of champagne and a personal shopping experience.
So ladies get out the ‘glad rags’ and brighten up the day.
And the babies are not forgotten either. There are three categories in our annual ‘Bonny Baby’ competition namely 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months and 13 to 18 months. The good news is there is a prize for every baby that is entered.
Vice chairman Willie Kearns says that next year we may have a ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman’ competition. If so he will be the first to enter he promised.
Fashion at the show is not just confined to these competitions. In keeping with tradition and maintaining a high standard of competition the judges will always dress well. Exhibitors showing livestock will also do their part in keeping with the fashion.
Exhibitors of flowers, crafts, baking and vegetables will be decorating their entries to get the most attention.
Fashion at the show is not confined to us humans. If you come to the show early you will see exhibitors of cattle power-washing, shampooing, blow drying and combing their animals before entering their respective class.
The horses and ponies will, as well as be washed, will have their manes and tails plaited and their hooves painted. Some will even have ribbons incorporated into them. Their bridles and saddles will be shinning, often brand new displaying the latest fashion in tack.
When you are in the poultry marquee look how well the hens and ducks are displayed. Their ‘combs’ and ‘woggles’ will be shinning.
For the latest fashion it is hard to beat the dogs. Last year there was a trade stand exhibitor at the show selling only the latest fashion in all sizes and colours of dog clothes?
With entries up already this year promises to be the fashion ‘show’ of the year. See you there.
The Great Cherry Cake Competition
There is no doubt that the class that attracts the most entries at Iverk Show is in the adult baking section. The ‘Great Cherry Cake Competition’ usually has around 100 entries. It may well be the largest of any competition in the country.
With a prize fund of €600 and a first prize of €200 plus the Iverk Produce Cup it may well be the largest of any competition of its type in the country.
There are prizes right down to 10th place and its popularity is hotly contested by both men and women
Chief steward Josephine Burke said ‘this year we are honoured to have TV3 Chefs, Baker’s and Food Writers, Catherine Layden and Edward Hayden judging our baking entries. Exhibitors are coming from as far away as Roscommon, Dublin, Cork and Kerry. We have regulars who enter every year and people who have never baked before and certainly have never entered a baking competition. It’s a fantastic spectacle and the crowds gather to watch the judging. I would not like to be a judge’ she said.
The first Great Cherry Cake Competition was held about 20 years ago and has gone from strength to strength. It is now unique to Iverk show and a major attraction.
Talking to one of last year’s judges she told me it was a very difficult job for two reasons. One was the huge number of entries and two was that the standard and quality of baking was so good. Two years ago a novice baker took the honours.
The judges look for a well baked cake with a very good general appearance. It must be well raised with good texture and an excellent distribution of cherries. Finally the judges will taste for flavour those that are in the final line up for prizes – oh to be a judge!
Competitors must stick strictly to the recipe as given in the Iverk Show prize list. This recipe can be downloaded from the website www.iverkshow.ie along with the recipes for the other baking competitions. It is crucial that you stick to the recipe as the judges will be paying particular attention to detail. Find the “Cherry Cake” details below.
Ingredients
12ozs/340 g flour, 8 ozs/225g margarine, 8 ozs / 225 g caster sugar, 6 ozs / 170 g cherries, 3 large eggs or four small, half a teaspoon of baking power
Method
Cut the cherries in four; cream margarine and sugar; add eggs and flour alternatively; add cherries; bake at 325 degrees F / 160 degrees C / Gas Mark 3 for 1.5 hours approximately in an 8” bake tin
As well as entering the Great Cherry Cake competition exhibitors will usually enter one of the other baking classes. There are 22 classes for adults and seven in the junior section for both primary and secondary pupils
With new sponsors such as Odlums, Goodall’s, Shamrock and Fruitfield this year the baking competitions promise to be one of the highlights of the show. The show takes place on Saturday the 22nd of August in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
