The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Joe was looking down and gave us a fine day’
KERRY PLOUGHING SEASON BEGINS ON AN EMOTIONAL NOTE IN ABBEYDORNEY AFTER JOE SLATTERY’S DEATH
THE passing of Joe Slattery, a giant figure in Kerry ploughing circles, made for a poignant start to the county season in his native Abbeydorney on Sunday - just a week after the meeting had to be postponed following his sad death.
Joe – who was chairman of the Kerry Ploughing Association from 1994 and chairman of the Abbeydorney Ploughing Association from 1984 until his death - was foremost in the minds of all as they decamped to Corridan’s fields in beautiful winter weather.
“It was like he was looking down on us, giving us fine weather but it made for an emotional day for all of us on the committee,” Abbeydorney Ploughing Association’s Tom O’Mahony told The Kerryman.
A special plaque commissioned by the committee and on display on Sunday reminded all of Joe’s incredible contribution to ploughing in Kerry. The Clounametig farmer joined his local association back in 1942, going on to represent Kerry at the All-Irelands - in Balbriggan in 1946 and at under-21 level in Maynooth in 1947.
“Joe was a great man for the community who got on well with young and old and is remembered very fondly by all of us,” Tom added.
Indeed, the strength of the ploughing association as we know it today is in no small way down to Joe’s dedication – its vibrancy demonstrated by the great turn out and competitive nature of Sunday’s season opener.
Steady hands and straight eyes were in abundance. Joe McCarthy won the single furrow vintage class; Tommy McCarthy won the reversible category; Aeneas Horan took the two-furrow vintage; Martina Flynn won the Ladies; Michael Donegan won the under-28 class; Michael Burke won the under-21; Michael P Donegan took the senior tractor class; Richard O’Mahony won the Macra class; the Novice class was won by Tony Wharton; Colm Dineen took the three-furrow title and Donal Tydings emerged the victor in the Loy-digging class.
Meanwhile, the prizes for ‘most appropriately-dressed lady and gentleman went to Dolores McElligott of Lixnaw and John Bosco McMahon of Ballybunion.
Now, all ploughing eyes are on Ballyheigue for Sunday next, with Ardfert, Causeway and Ballyduff to take place after the New Year – on February 5, 12 and 19 respectively.