Ploughing on to bigger and better things

THE Killarney Ploughing Association will hold its second points competition on Sunday, November 4, on the grounds of Coffey’s Farm, Fossa, Killarney, .

The ploughing match begins at 11.00am. It promises to be a great day of ploughing, conversation and plenty of tea.

This is only the second time a points match will be held in the Killarney and South Kerry area since the 1960s.

The event was launched on Saturday by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae TD on the Wharton’s Farm, Dromin, Fossa, Killarney. There are now six ploughing associations in Kerry, a sport which is strongest, of course, in north Kerry and places such as Ardfert, Abbeydorney, Ballyheigue, Ballyduff and Causeway.

Siobhan Wharton is the Association’s PRO, and he said, “We are delighted to host our second points competition.”

“Ploughing is such a wonderful tradition and heritage. The interest is enormous.

“The association would also like to congratulate two of our members, Shane Godley and Michael Brosnan, who competed in the National Ploughing Championships.

The Association members also wish to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support”, he added.

There was a strong tradition of ploughing in Killarney and south Kerry area. In the 1950s Killarney’s incredible ploughmen excelled in competition, winning six All-Ireland titles, and it hosted the first world championships in 1954 and also represented Ireland in Ontario, Canada in the world championships.

Killarney also hosted the National Ploughing Championships in 1939 and 1961.

Association President Mr Danny O’Leary of Bishop’s Farm, Ballycasheen, was himself a champion at ploughing, winning a multitude of titles in the 1960s.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Jason Murhill, Liam Wharton, Tom Leslie, Veronica Heaslip, Donie Murhill, Jackie Ryan, Jamie Mannix, Danny O’Leary, Shane Godley, Thomas Wharton, Deputy Danny Healy Rae TD, Seamus O’Donoghue, Colin Wharton, Ryan Wharton.