It really is almost impossible to think of Kilkenny without thoughts of hurls and black and amber jerseys crossing your mind. Even Prince Charles could not escape it when he visited Kilkenny last week and was shown a lesson or two in hurling matters by Henry Shefflin and Brian Cody.

Farming and hurling are intertwined in this fair county. And a deep love for country music pervades many areas of the land where the Nore and the Suir make their way down to the sea.

Gowran Park is going country this summer and the famous race venue is gearing up to host the first ever Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Sunday 20 August. The big day is being coordinated by Young Ireland’s GAA Club.

“We are all excited about the Kilkenny Country Festival,” says local woman, Mary Holden. “The club has major development plans and this will serve as a big fundraiser. No event of this nature has ever been undertaken around Kilkenny and we are delighted with the early response.

“It will be a real privilege to have such big names from the country music scene come to Gowran Park in August. It’s a brilliant line-up with Mike Denver, Philomena Begley, Paddy O’Brien, Cliona Hagan, Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney, Mick Flavin, Trudi Lalor, Seamus Moore, Adrian Ryan, Aidan Quinn, Keelan, the Honky Tonk Angels, and The Conquerors who are the backing band for the day. Children under 12 go free with adults.”

A giant dance floor, easy parking and 10 minutes from the motorway, all combine to provide Gowran with many advantages for their big day. Onsite bars and restaurants and a tradition of catering for crowds at the venue all add up to what should be a most enjoyable day in the company of many top names from the country circuit.

Tickets cost €25 and are on sale online and can also be purchased from Hennessy’s Shop, Gowran, Gowran Pharmacy, Porters Newsagent, High Street, Kilkenny, or Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street, Kilkenny.

See www.kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie for updated details and you can also check out Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Facebook.