"Holy cows annual Show"

THE Irish equivalent of "does the sun circle the earth or t'other way round" is definitely the annual war of words between the rival Ballinasloe and Iverk shows over "which is the oldest show in Ireland?"
Ballinasloe Show director, Frank Treacy, writes that "Iverk's claim to be the oldest show is spurious and made without any research or regard for accuracy."
His committee has records which quote that 'a show for neat cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and ploughing was held in Ballinasloe on October 7, 1801.'
That makes them 188 years in existence.
But how come last week's Ballinasloe Show was the 150th?
Mr. Treacy says this refers to "our modest celebration of 150 years as a registered friendly society."
Ah! But Iverk had its 163rd show in Piltown on September 7th last, bringing it back to 1826.
Who's telling the truth?
Enter Iverk chairman, the genial Joe Malone.
Joe says the difference is that Iverk is the oldest agricultural show in Ireland - but that Ballinasloe is the oldest horse fair.
I like it, lads!

(From "Over the Gate" - Farming Independent, Oct 10, 1989)