The P Factor reigns as poll toppers and pole climbers vie for attention

THE phonetics of the P-word posed some problems for politicians and the public at the ploughing in Athy, Co Kildare, yesterday.

Topping the poll to become the next President was the aim of the campaigning politicians and their supporters.

But for the public the joy was in watching other people climb a pole in an all-Ireland competition that required stamina and agility.

The Husqvarna Pole Climbing title race attracted a big crowd on the opening day of the 80th National Ploughing Championships.

Competitors ran up and down not one but two poles, each standing 30 metres high, in a race against the clock in a bid to win the title.

The presidential election contenders were not tempted to test their prospects against experienced climbers in this pole-topping exercise.

Instead, they preferred to concentrate on wooing support so that they can head their own poll next month.

But that too was energy-sapping stuff as they canvassed in the walkways, shopping arcades and various pavilions from early morning.

The infectious P-factor was also evident on all the approach roads to the 700-acre site following an overnight epidemic of posteritis.

There were posters for politicians, farming bodies, agri-products, retail outlets and even welly throwing.

But the most significant P-word of all was a pride that, eight decades after being founded, the National Ploughing Association was continuing to play a major role in rural life.

President Mary McAleese, making her final visit to the event before leaving office, fully articulated that pride in her address after which she was given a sustained standing ovation.

She recalled that the cost of running the first ploughing championships at Athy in 1931 (9 pounds, 3 shillings and 5 pence) was the equivalent of about €15 today.

The contest has grown to a multimillion-euro event which has become Europe’s largest and most successful agricultural trade exhibitions.

She said the indomitable Anna May McHugh watched over it all like a mother hen over a clutch of chicks.

She said Mrs McHugh’s inspirational and tireless leadership was key to the strength and reputation of the championships and the pride they generate throughout the country and the Irish family at home and abroad.

Anna May, she said, had once again done rural Ireland proud and constructed a fantastic, dynamic, hope-filled event against a backdrop of harsh economic conditions which might have daunted lesser souls.

Referring to the fact that she was at her last ploughing championships as president, she said she hoped it would not be her last time attending the event where people see and experience Ireland at its best.

She thanked the organisers for inviting herself and her husband back year after year “feeding us with delicious food that Martin raves about from one ploughing championships to the next, and sending us home happy and deeply proud of our people and our country”.