Muckross perpetuates plough memories

THE reign of the horse was coming to an end, but it was still a time when a man able to skilfully steer a plough was well regarded.

In the 1950s, seven members of famous South Kerry teams won a string of All-Ireland horse ploughing titles; they have now been honoured at Muckross Traditional Farms, in Killarney.

All were from the Killarney area, and four survive. A Pierce plough they used in championships has been donated by P J Cronin to the farms at Muckross, where it will be on permanent display. A plaque in honour of the ploughmen has been unveiled by Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue.