It's all systems go for the Iverk Show!

Despite the ongoing inclement weather, it's all systems go for the 2007 Iverk Show, Ireland's oldest agricultural show, which is scheduled for the first Thursday in September.
The annual sponsor's day was held at Kildalton Agricultural College in Piltown on Monday, where there was an emphatic announcement that the show would go ahead despite the recent cancellations of the Tullamore and Mullingar Shows.
To the relief of the show's committee and the general public, we've just had a few days without any rain and fingers crossed we'll get through another few days without further rain fall.
In previous years, watering the showgrounds had proven to be the problem: this year, it's the opposite - cutting and rolling damp grass is the order of this particular Summer.

Tony Pettit, Head of Kildalton College, welcomed all sponsors to the event, describing the show as a lovely event and favoured date in the agricultural calendar. In terms of publicity, be it through reporting, photography and promotions, Mr Pettit said the Iverk Show fares better than most other events in that respect.
"Everyone, both locally and in the greater agricultural community always get behind the show and I know I speak for all of us when hoping for an improvement in weather in the coming week," he said. "The Iverk Show offers us with a most pleasant introduction into the autumn here at Kildalton for an occasion which we at the college are always pleased to assist."

Click on picture to se larger image & details

Speaking on behalf of sponsors, Merck, Sharp and Dohme's John Condon spoke of is great affection for the show, an event he has attended f'or the past 28 years.
"I love this particular show," he commented. "When you come into the Iverk Show, you join it for life. As an event I would rival it with anything that the RDS can offer and I'd like to take the opportunity to wish the committee well. I hope that God will be good to us come the first Thursday in September and that the sun, like it does most years, will shine on the Iverk Show."

Click on picture to se larger image & details

Mr Condon complemented the show's Master of Ceremonies, the one and only Pilot Conway, for his humorous interjections over the Showground microphone. He recalled several funny incidents at the Show over the years, including how the hospitality tent was removed while people inside remained chatting!
Iverk Show Chairman, Walter Walsh, addressed the gathering, speaking of the "great goodwill" extended to the show from its long standing sponsors. "It is also wonderful to be here today in the beautiful setting of Kildalton House, the original home of the show," he added. "This year provides us with a different challenge given the bad weather we've had of late, but this show has never been cancelled yet due to poor weather and with the long range weather forecast looking good. I'm very optimistic."

Click on picture to se larger image & details

Speaking at Kildalton, Irish Shows Association head Dorothy Lazenby stated that, contrary to rumours, the Limerick Show will also be going ahead.
"We're also delighted that Iverk will go ahead, barring major floods," she said. "But I would recommend all intending to visit the show to pack some wellies, just in case there's an odd shower on the day."
She continued: "'I'he Iverk Show is one of the best shows in the country and an outstanding show with respect to livestock. The success of this show lies in the strength of its committee and the excellent support it receives from its sponsors.
"I wish everyone associated with the show well and I would like to thank the committee for inviting me here today."
(Courtesy: Kieran Walsh, Munster Express)