Report by Kieran Walsh

The millennium show was something with a difference with the arrival of a Lord and Lady.

Lady Bessborough and her step-son, Lord Duncannon, who has a farm near Cloyne in County Cork, attended the millennium show at Iverk. It gave the show an old world feel but there was nothing behind the times at Iverk this year as a wonderful show was put on with lots of focus on entertainment on top of the usual horses, cattle and show jumping.

Gate receipts were up on the previous year despite the inclement weather forecast, with just one short shower interrupting proceedings. Lady Bessborough opened the show following the tradition of her forefathers and she complimented the committee for extending her an invitation. Her husband could not attend due to ill health.

She spoke of the great pride in the show that the family retains.

Her family introduced the Limousin cattle to Ireland and to the Show, and this innovation has been followed by other farmers, stated Lady Bessborough. She enjoyed the All Ireland Brood Mare Championship, which had a Cork winner.

She was delighted to see how strong the community responded to the Show and that it was less commercial than the ones in Britain . This year, there was a millennium tent with a fashion show, Irish music and dancing, face painting, basket weaving, juggling and other items to entertain the family.

This was part sponsored by the Munster Express newspaper and was highly popular.

D.J. Carey, the All Ireland hurling star, also made an appearance at the tent just days before the final against Offaly.

At the presentation of the Maid of Avonmore, reference was made to the improved milk price of 3 pence from Glanibia in the aftermath by Chairman of Glanbia, Davy Corcoran and ICMSA spokesmen who were hoping for further increases in the new year.

This has helped lift the gloom that has hit farming in the last few years and Joe Malone called on farmers to support the co-op, which they control, through its tough times so that better times will ensue.

(Munster Express, Sept. 2000)