The inaugural Kilkenny Country Music Festival is ready to roll, and it will be lovely hurling all the way where the gentle Nore meanders softly through the rich farmlands of this fair county.

In one of those rare years when the Kilkenny senior hurling team are not in contention for honours in August, the Young Irelands GAA club in Gowran is now putting a massive community effort behind this truly special day, and people from all generations are planning on making the trip to Gowran for what promises to be the biggest Irish country festival ever staged in the county.

You can sense the excitement mounting in the county as the big day draws near. After all, a day of this nature has never happened in Co Kilkenny before. While other counties have produced leading country singers and bands, it is a long way back to the days when the county was home to the Jim Cantwell Big Band in the 1960s and also to The Black Aces, who once had the privilege of playing support to the legendary Jim Reeves during his 1963 Irish tour.

The Kilkenny Country Festival has secured the services of 14 acts for its big day in Gowran. Mike Denver is among the headline acts and he is thrilled to be heading to the famous racetrack venue in the heart of hurling country.

“Coming from Portumna, I have a natural affinity with hurling and a massive respect for the Kilkenny tradition. Galway and Kilkenny have been involved in some tremendous games over the decades, but there is a huge respect between both our counties and the legends who have decorated the game all through the years.

“It is an absolute privilege for me to be part of this great day down in Kilkenny. It is such a great county and the people are so down to earth. This is going to be one of the great festivals of the summer in Ireland,” says Mike.

And what a lineup they have for the Kilkenny Festival on 20 August, which runs from 1pm until 7pm. The queen of country, Philomena Begley, one of the most natural female entertainers ever to grace the country scene, is heading south. Patrons can look forward to her belting out The Queen of the Silver Dollar, Blanket On The Ground, Truck Driving Woman, and other classics. Rising star Cliona Hagan is also making the trip from Tyrone, and is sure to go down a treat.

The “breakthrough lads” from the late 1980s have been proud ambassadors for country music for the last 30 years. They are Paddy O’Brien, proud son of Co Waterford, and Longford troubadours, Mick Flavin and Declan Nerney.

Paddy has a loyal following in the southeast and is assured of a warm welcome in Gowran. Mick will perform some of his most-requested numbers, including Maria’s Heading Out To California, The Old School Yard, Wild Flowers and other favourites. Declan is noted for his rousing interpretation of many songs and is ready-made for days like this.

Patrick Feeney from Sligo, a member of the Three Amigos, Trudi Lalor from neighbouring Laois, Adrian Ryan from Carlow, Aidan Quinn (son of Philomena Begley), and teenager Keelan Arbuckle from Donegal are all on the show.

The Honky Tonk Angels, featuring CC Cooper, Bernie Heaney and Lorraine McDonald will deliver some rousing country numbers, while Seamus Moore, a native of Callan, will be flying the flag for Kilkenny on home ground. The brilliant Conquerors from Galway are the backing band for the entire afternoon. The compere for the day is James Lakes from KCLR.

A giant dancefloor, easy parking and 10 minutes from the motorway, all combine to provide Gowran with many advantages for its big day. On-site bars and restaurants, and a tradition of catering for crowds at the venue, all add up to what should be a most-enjoyable day.

The Young Irelands Club is, of course, home to some of the best known hurling names in the country, DJ Carey, Charlie Carter and Pat O’Neill, all holders of several All Ireland medals with Kilkenny. Charlie is also involved in the farming scene.

Patrick Farrell, chair of the organising committee of the festival, says Young Irelands GAA Club in Gowran made a big decision six years ago to relocate: “The new location in the heart of the village provides the club with a platform to cater for the expansion in the local population over the past 15 years.

“With two new, full-size playing pitches, a walking track, club house and further plans, this project will deliver a modern sport and recreational outlet for all ages. With playing pitches operational and club rooms 75% complete, the drive for funds continues.

“The Kilkenny Country Music Festival is an event for the entire family to enjoy and share. We are so lucky to have the racecourse facility to host the festival day. There are excellent parking facilities. A pine dancefloor will be in operation during the festival. We have a very dedicated core group who have put their heart and soul into this venture and a great group of volunteers who will help out in every way on the day,” says Patrick.

Tickets are €25 and are on sale online and can also be had from local outlets. Children under 12 with adults go free. Tickets will, of course, be available at the site on the day.

• A shuttle bus service, operated by Joe O’Neill Buses, will run every half hour from outside Kilkenny Castle. Details can be had from 087-6406411.