The Iverk and Carmarthen Shows formally twinned last week and already the indications are that trade and tourism links have been considerably boosted.

Some Of the Irish trade stands at the show reported very good business, especially those in the food area.
Mary O'Halloran, tourism officer with South East Tourism, reported hundreds of enquiries that she believed would turn into real business. It was their first time promoting at an agricultural show and were surprised at the great response, which they feel sure will turn into real business.
One of the very satisfying aspects is that it will bring more off-season business, mainly from the over 50s age group and also people from the farm sector, who are interested in Irish agri-tourism and rural holidays. They are likely to travel in September and October, when ferry fares are lower. This should be welcome news for the guest houses and hostelries in the south east. Retired people find no language barrier, and with food and climate similar, it suits them well.
Another interest development were the enquiries for holidays in Ireland from those who are disabled.
Pat and Siobhan Walsh of Carrick on Suir did a roaring trade in Christmas puddings and had a virtual sell out as did local jams. Other stand-holders, such as Tom Connolly of Waterford, were satisfied with the level of business.

Other exhibitors
James Green of Portlaw was manning the stand for Killowen Apple Juice and he admitted that he was very busy on the Friday.
Mileven Honey from Owning was another hit. This stand was under the care of Mrs. Ann Dwyer and her daughter, Helena Power. The business is owned by Mrs. Eilish Goff.
We also spoke with Patricia Hickey from Bennettsbridge, who was there for Kilkenny handmade chocolates.
Artist, Annette Glascott, from Carrick-on-Suir was selling paintings on behalf of herself and Jill Lalor.
There was a fine display of arts and crafts from South Kilkenny schools, organised by Irene Purcell.
Waterford Foods and Avonmore had a stand at the show.
Rosario Duane of Waterford handled a number of enquiries about the enlarged group and the recent merger.
An Irish style bar in the pavilion also did a strong trade in beer.

Welsh Secretary of State at Show
It was the first time the Welsh Secretary of State, Ron Davis from Caerphilly, attended the show. He said that the Irish Pavilion had made an impressive start and that next year there would be more. He described the many natural links of culture, language and heritage with the Irish neighbours, but this is the first time we have had a programme to develop those links for the economic benefit of both sides of the Irish Sea.
The Welsh Secretary said that there would be a significant presence of Welsh firms at the Iverk Show in County Kilkenny on September 4th. He said it was a fantastic opportunity for developing markets in Ireland and that the opportunity should be seized.
He said that, by expanding the range of both agricultural shows to new audiences, tourism is boosted and each local economy benefits from more people staying in the area, who might return and stay for longer holidays.
The Secretary of State said that the Welsh could learn from the Irish success over the last few years in increasing trade, boosting incomes and modernising production.
The Munster Express spoke with representatives from the Welsh Development Agency, which is their equivalent of the IDA.

They were very impressed with the Irish economic performance and supported such initiatives such as this "Inter-reg" programme. Irish success was gaining much admiration in Britain. They also noted the Avonmore-Waterford Foods link-up and its potential for the UK market. In fact, this was the first time that Avonmore and Waterford had worked together in a joint promotion overseas since the merger.

Cultural exchange
The Welsh Secretary said that there were not just economic reasons for the link-up, but that it was important encourage partnership between Celtic peoples, also giving opportunities to experience each others culture and friendship.
Both he and Irish Minister of State, Noel Davern, had good exchange on the rugby links. The Welsh were reminded of the great Irish record in Cardiff.
Initially, Deputy Davern was introduced as a gentleman from Kilkenny, but the South Tipperary TD stated emphatically that he was from Tipperary and that the main difference between the two counties was a game played with an ash stick called hurling. No doubt the Minister will be more than happy with the Tipp win over Wexford last Sunday!

(Munster Express - Sept, 1997)