Whelan and Tracey book world ticket

Winners of gold and bronze last July at the World Ploughing Contest in Canada, John Whelan (Wexford), and Eamon Tracey, (Carlow) were dominant in their respective classes at Ratheniska, Co Laois, securing their places on the team for the world contest in Bordeaux, France, next year.

The county prize went to Cork West, with six clear wins. Louth had three; Laois, Waterford and Wexford two each; and Cork East and Monaghan, one apiece.

The Kings of Louth (three wins) and the Prendergasts of Waterford hurling fame (two wins) secured remarkable family triumphs.