‘A great honour’ for Irish pair as they head to world ploughing event

IRELAND’S hopes for success in the World Ploughing Championships in Moravske Toplice, Slovenia, next week, will rest on John Tracey and Liam O’Driscoll.

Both men have departed for the September 4 and 5 championships.

Conventional ploughman John Tracey, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, who was placed second in the 2005 world championships, and reversible ploughman Liam O’Driscoll from Bandon in Co Cork, have vast experience.

National Ploughing Association (NPA) managing director Anna May McHugh, speaking at a reception in Dublin Airport to see the team off, said it was a great honour for the pair to represent their country at this level.

Also travelling to the competition are team manager Eamonn Tracey, Carlow, who was placed third at the World Contest in 2003; Pat McKeown, Louth, who is a judge; John Deery, Monaghan, an NPA director; and Liam O’Driscoll’s father, Jackie.

Following the world championships, the ploughmen will head home for the National Ploughing Championships which take place in Athy, Co Kildare, from September 22-24.

The team to represent Ireland in the 2010 world championships in New Zealand next April will be determined at Athy.

The national championships will take place on the lands of Eamon and Willie Fennin, at Cardenton, with neighbouring farmers providing land for parking.

Athy was where the NPA was founded in 1931 and where the first ever national championships were held that same year.

The land used on that occasion is now owned by Jim and Iris Fox, of Coursetown Country House, and the same field will be part of the overall area used for this year’s event.

Anna May McHugh said the NPA is delighted to be back in Athy where it all started in 1931. The farm is ideally located and another successful championship is anticipated.