ROUNDWOOD PLOUGHING SOCIETY ANNUAL MATCH AT DIAMOND HILL Roundwood ploughs ahead in some style

OVER 20 tractors entered the annual ploughing match organised by the Roundwood Ploughing Society but the numbers would have been even greater if it wasn’t for that day’s bad weather.

Eleven competitors from other counties weren’t able to attend because of the winds and driving rain.

The match was held in a field belonging to John Byrne of Knocktemple, with plenty of top soil making for ideal conditions.

Richard Keegan of Carlow finished first in the Champion Class. Barry White of Dublin was second and Liam Hamilton of Wicklow was third.

The Under-28 winner was Dennis Dunne, while Nathan Barnes was the victor in the Two Furrow Reversible class. Eric Bradshaw was the 3 Furrow Standard winner, with Tommy Pierce coming out on top of the Trailer Plough section. Willie Carney finished first in the Classic Tractor section. The Vintage Two Furrow Mounted winner was Paddy Doyle. Eugene Stephens won the Single-Furrow class.

The Roundwood Inn provided all the competitors with a harty meal afterwards.

Roundwood Ploughing Society chairman Eugene Shortt with ploughing champion Tom Donnelly.

John Somers from Carnew, Eric Bradshaw from Ashford and Pat Furlong, All-Ireland champion from Wexford.

Tommy Pierce from Donard, who was competing in the vintage trailer class.

Paddy Barnes and Willy Kearney from Carnew.

Síofra, Eoin and Conor Byrne, the great-grandchildren of All-Ireland Horse Ploughing Champion Peter Byrne, attending their first ploughing match with their grandfather Peter Byrne.

Les Hanbidge’s team of Roxy and Fred, handled by Edward Allen.

Les Hanbidge from the Glen of Imaal checks his line in the horse ploughing.

Edward Dowse keeping an eye on proceedings.