Press Release 24 th January 2023
Volunteers are Iverk Show’s Strength

Following on from a very successful Iverk Show last year after an absence of two years, the
members gathered on Monday night for the annual general meeting in buoyant mood. The
huge attendance was welcomed, congratulated, and thanked by outgoing chairman Robert
Dowley.
“The strength of the Iverk Show is in its volunteers,” he said. “The whole show is run by
members and friends giving of their time voluntarily.” He had a special word of thanks for
the landowners who generously give the use of their land to the show. “If they did not support
us, we simply could not hold our show,” he said.
Robert also thanked the Doctors, Red Cross, Vets, sponsors, and the Gardai, again without
whom we could not function.
Our auditor, Anne Marie Power in her analyses of the accounts was delighted to report a very
detailed and accurate set of figures. She congratulated the chairman, treasurers and committee
on a job well done.
Robert is returning to the ‘back benches’ after 15 years at the top table, eight as secretary and
then as chairman. “It was a privilege for me to serve you,” he said. “I have enjoyed it, loved
the banter, the arguments and the discussions and thanked everyone for their support. I feel it
is important to give someone else an opportunity.” Robert will continue to be involved and
takes on much of the work of the late Joe Malone looking after sponsorship.
And that someone else moving into the chair is John Flynn – the first chairman from Owning
he told us. John said he was first got involved in 1992 when the late John O’Shea introduced
him to the then chief steward, Edward (Eddie) Stephenson, of the farm produce section.
“Eddie gave me this handbook of what to do”, he said holding it up for all to see.
John then was involved in the family and garden area until he took over the food section a
number of years ago from Bill Slocket. Along with his wife Rose the food village has grown
into a must-see area of the show.
John said his priorities were – keeping the committee strong, involve new members, keep the
costs down without affecting the standard of the show, maintain an agricultural base, and get
families in. He thanked Robert for his commitment and dedication to the show.
The other officers returned for another year were – vice chair Willie Kearns, secretary Jill
Dowley, treasurer John Connolly and Ray Walker replaces Liam Ryan as safety officer.
After the meeting the members retired to a very welcomed supper. Our thanks as always to
the ladies who organise this annually.