Ireland's proud history on world ploughing stage

Ray Ryan reflects on the rich history of Ireland's ploughing competitors on the world stage 

Eamonn Treacy, Garryhill, Co Carlow, one of Ireland's all-time leading representatives in World Ploughing. Picture: Denis Minihane

It was always the ambition of J J Bergin, co-founder of the National Ploughing Association with Denis Allen, to stage the World Ploughing Contest in Ireland, and it looked as if his dream would come true in 1939.

He had a site earmarked for the event in Dundalk, County Louth, had a special award commissioned for the winner and raised £100 for prizes.