‘We’ll be back’ – Kilkenny’s Iverk Show forced to cancel for second year in a row

Ireland’s oldest agricultural show has confirmed it has been forced to cancel this year’s event due to the pandemic.

Piltown’s Iverk Show was due to be held on August 28 this year. But Covid has forced the cancellation of the hugely popular event for the second year in a row.

The organising committee said in a statement: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Covid pandemic and the medium to long term national plan for festivals and events, the Iverk Show committee have decided to cancel the 2021 show.

“The President, Jack Kearns, Chairman Robert Dowley and members of the committee are bitterly disappointed to have to take this action for the second year in a row.

“Guided by the recommendations of the Government, HSE and Irish Shows Association, and bearing in mind the health and safety of all our friends and patrons, we felt this was the appropriate action to take.”

Organisers said Ireland’s oldest agricultural show has faced “many challenges over the near two centuries since it was founded in 1826”. But they added on an optimistic note: “The resilience of all those involved will ensure that the 2022 show, to be held in Piltown on Saturday August 27, 2022, will be, once again, a great success.”