MORE THAN 28,000 people descended on the sun-drenched Iverk Show on Thursday - making it the most successful in the 181 year history of the event,
Highlights included the best dressed lady competition won by a stunning Ella Duggan, Owning, Piltown.

From early morning, patrons streamed through the main gates opposite Kildalton College with ticket sellers Nicholas Henebery and Johnny Maher swamped by the demand.



The presence of some members of the successful Kilkenny hurling team and the Liam McCarthy Cup assured a massive crowd around the Glanbia tent where five cups were on display.
These were the McCarthy Cup, Bob O'Keeffe Leinster Cup and the Walsh Cup won by Kilkenny.
They were joined by the Munster Championship Cup and the National Hurling League Cup won by South East neighbours Waterford.
Also in attendance were Kilkenny hurling stars, Jackie Tyrell, Brian Hogan and Noel Hickey whose mother is a Piltown woman.



Also seen around the show were stars of Waterford hurling, Ken McGrath, Stephen Molumphy and the Waterford Captain, Michael "Brick" Walsh.

Glanbia representative Kieran O'Connor was delighted that so many from both teams showed up, especially after taking part in the Goal charity hurling challenge the night before in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.
Also present was another All-Ireland winner, Brian Daniels from Kilmoganny who was named national young farmer of the year on Tuesday night.
He carried his silver cup around with him through-out the morning and after-noon.
Long-time show spokesman Joe Malone was not one bit surprised at the glorious weather and said that God looked after his own.
He added that the prayers of the people of the Barony of Iverk, taking in Piltown and Mooncoin, had been answered following the cancellation of a number of other shows during August.



All the main political parties were present with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael hosting tents with free entry and with no charge to meet Bobby Aylward TD (FF), Phil Hogan TD (FG) or Sen. John Paul Phelan (FG) unlike the "marquee" at the Galway Races.
Many of the country's specialist food companies such as Knockdrinna Cheese and Mileveen Honey were also there.
Farm machinery manu-facturer John Eardly from Outrath, Kilkenny, who had a stand at the show, said it was second in importance only to the national ploughing chamionships.
"We do a lot of business here and that's why we keep coming back," he said.
The event was opened by retired TD, Seamus Patti-son, who spoke of the great community spirit of the show and the huge voluntary effort that goes in to making it such a huge success.

The archery exhibit proved a massive bulls eye with the younger patrons giving them the chance to showcase their skills.
This year there were more new attractions such as the rare breeds exhibit and the army. The army had several tanks and armoured cars on display along with guns, rocket launchers and other armoury.
These proved very popular for young and old alike. The vintage display was probably the biggest ever at the show with plenty of old cars and tractors.

Alongside the dog show were a group with performing dogs. All these attractions and exhibits superbly complement the traditional agricultural displays and competitions.
Teenagers indulged in spray painting fights with some of the paint ending up on the walls of the adjacent GAA club rooms.
Show chairman Walter Walsh congratulated all who sponsored, entered and helped in any way on the day. In particular he thanked the land owners for their co-operation.
In welcoming the guest of honour and retired Labour party TD Sear Pattison, he knew he welcoming a loyal supporter of the Iverk show over 50 years.
Mr Pattison thanked committee for their kind words and spoke of his historical trip with
show committee to the United Counties show in Carmarthen in Wales during the twinning program in the late nineties. It was the first visit by on Irish State car on English soil.
Deputy Mary White was at the show and said it represented the very best of country shows.
(Courtesy – Seán Keane, Kilkenny People)