Ploughing role first for McHugh
Appointing the fourth general secretary in its 60-year history, the WPO has selected the 44-year old PRO and assistant managing director with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) to take responsibility for day-to-day WPO operations, assessing future world venues, developing the organisation worldwide, and heading up WPO communication and media relations.
Anna Marie goes straight into action at the World Ploughing Contest in Olds, Alberta, Canada — where competitors will bid for international titles on July 19 and 20.
Ireland will have two ploughing competitors, a coach, and a judge in Alberta. Seasoned ploughman Eamonn Tracey, Carlow won his first All-Ireland at U21 level in 1990, and this year competes for the eighth time at world level, following in the footsteps of his father. He has already come within a fraction of a point of winning a world ploughing gold medal.
For John Whelan, Wexford, it’s his fifth time to represent Ireland on the world stage. He competes in the reversible class, and has won the European reversible contest twice. They are coached by Brian Ireland, Kilkenny, who takes the team management role for the first time.
The judging panel in Alberta includes Joe Slattery, Tipperary, an established ploughman and judge, officiating at international level for the second time.
