Tipperary team pulled off second Iverk Show tug-of-war title in a row

A Tipp team dug in deep with their heels and mighty muscle power to overcome the strongmen of Kilkenny and Wexford at the Iverk Show which celebrated its 200th anniversary last Saturday.

The tug-of-war contest is one of the most popular and hotly contested competitions at the South East's biggest agricultural show at Piltown near Carrick-on-Suir.

And this year's tournament didn't disappoint with teams from all over the region 'taking the strain' to earn the show's coveted trophy before a large crowd of spectators.

The six-man Tipp Tuggers squad, sporting Premier county hurling jerseys of various vintages, proved too strong on the rope for a team from Carrickshock in Kilkenny in the semi-final and deftly dispatched the Boley Tug-of-War club team from New Ross in the final.

Amid celebratory cheers and backslapping, the victorious Tipp Tuggers captain TJ Moloney from Ballycohey, Tipperary said they were delighted with the victory.

“We are all from Tipperary Town or just outside the town. We were here last year and won the competition as well. We are delighted to have won back-to-back titles. Up the Tuggers” he declared.

The tug-of-war was just one of a vast array of competitions, events and entertainment at the show that attracted a massive crowd, helped greatly by the beautiful sunny weather.

Iverk Show Committee PRO Rob Duggan said gate entry figures aren't finalised yet but they estimate attendance was up by about 10% on last year.

“It was a wonderful day and it was great to see everyone. We are proud that we got nothing but positive comments from visitors,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon officially opened the show, which featured traditional livestock and equine show competitions, pony and horse showjumping over three arenas, a dog show, home baking, honey, jams, arts and crafts competition sections and marquees featuring up to 400 trade stands.

There were displays of vintage cars, machinery and threshing and even a US western horseriding skills demonstration.

For visitors wishing to take a break from browsing the showgrounds, there was a live music entertainment area with seating and food stands. Among the performers were The Islanders, a music group from Newfoundland visiting Carrick-on-Suir as part of an exchange trip. The social dancing stage was packed with waltzers and jivers throughout the afternoon.

Check out all the show results on www.iverkshow.ie