Farmer Seamus is King of the Culchies

September 1993

Moon-dancing in hobnailed boots proved a winning routine for Bunclody farmer Seamus Long at the weekend. The 25-year-old bachelor farmer saw off 18 rivals to claim the ‘King of the Culchies’ title in a festival at Salthill in Galway.

The lanky lad from Rossard performed his inspired gyrations for interviewer Maxi and it went down a storm with the audience. The aspiring culchie kings were all provided with escorts for the weekend, but there any resemblance with The Rose of Tralee ended.

Instead of dressing up for the occasion, Seamus appeared in an ancient pair of trousers, corduroy jacket, and flowery tie, all held together with baler twine. Instead of dancing in evening dress, the culchies were feted at the Bacon & Cabbage Ball.

Other events at this celebration of all things rural included wellie throwing, a jive competition, and sausage skinning. He and Gorey man Ciarán Doyle were among the younger contenders for the crown.

‘It was a bit of crack but my throat is in bits,’ croaked Seamus after returning victoriously to the family sheep and cattle farm this week. ‘Now I have letters after my name. I’m Seamus Long, IOC (Ireland’s Original Culchie), and that’s better than an M.A.,’ he said.

The proud countryman told journalists reporting the event that his success was due to him being so sexy, and his ability to perform animal impressions.