Ploughing Association holds successful championships in brilliant sunshine

THE North Tipperary Ploughing Association held their 59^th annual ploughing match on Saturday last in Aglish, Borrisokane by kind permission of the land owners.
Originally fixed for March 3^rd, the weather dictated otherwise, but last Saturday was well worth waiting for with the field in excellent condition and the match attracting a wonderful crowd of competitors and spectators alike.

Over 30 competitors in total ploughed on match day and at very short notice too. Thanks to the judges who travelled from Meath and Dublin, also at short notice, and had the difficult job of selecting winners from the competitive field.

Results were read out by the Chairman Ray Clancy afterwards as competitors enjoyed a delicious hot meal which was provided in the tent by Andy and staff, Nenagh, and teas, soup, sandwiches were served from early morning and throughout the day by the ladies committee. The club offer a huge thank you to all its sponsors for their continued support each year.

Stiff competition was clear in all categories with the following results: An experienced ploughman on the farm but in his first year ploughing competitively, Pat Hough from Cloughjordan won the Classic section followed closely in 2^nd place by Nigel Gamble (Antrim).
Single Furrow: 1^st Andrew Hogan (Borrisokane), 2^nd Liam Dolan (Leitrim).
Iron Horse: 1^st Francis Naughton (Clare).
Reversible: In joint first position: Joe Slattery (Kilbarron) and Jim Ryan (Laois).
Junior: 1^st Tom Duffy (Rathcabbin), 2^nd Gerry Byrne (Louth).
U-21: 1^st Gavin Kelly (Galway), 2^nd Lee Hogan (Rathcabbin).
Novice: 1^st Rory Spain (Coolderry), 2^nd Robert Duffy (Rathcabbin).
3 furrow: 1^st Ciarán Milne (Lorrha), 2^nd: Liam Hamilton (Wicklow).
Vintage 2 furrow: 1^st Oliver Smith (Meath), 2^nd Paddy Doyle (Wicklow), 3^rd Ray Clancy (Rathcabbin).
Vintage Trailer: 1^st David Grattan (Derry), 2^nd Cyril McGuinness (Dublin), Joint 3^rd Tommy Pierce (Wicklow) and Seamus Crossan (Armagh).