Keen competition as Offaly ploughing group hosts two matches

Despite the recent spell of poor weather, a spell of luck befell Killoughey Ploughing Association for their annual ploughing championships.

Clubs and counties across the country have struggled with weather and may ploughing matches have been postponed or cancelled due to bad weather, however, the Gods looked favourably upon Killoughey in early January as the weather stayed dry and bright for the annual championships.

Once again, a great turnout of competitors descended on Killoughey to the fabulous site, kindly provided by Thomas and Judy Bracken at Cappagolan, Mountbolus.

Over 30 competitors from far and wide took part with keen competition across many classes. Competitors young and old battled it out for the top spot and for some, a chance to plough in the upcoming All Ireland in September.

After a days tough ploughing, competitors retired to the Beehive Bar in Mountbolus where a fine spread was provided by Andy Johnson to the delight of many. Results were read and prizes were presented. Winners on the day were as follows:

Senior Conventional: Jonathon Murray

Senior Reversible: Brian Mahon

Under 28 Reversible: John Bracken

Under 21: James Mahon

Farmerette: Emma Gowing

Macra: Richard Casey

3 Furrow: Darragh Egan

3 Furrow Reversible: Frankie Gowing

Fast forward a few weeks and Killoughey were again steeped in good luck when the sun shone on the same site as Killoughey hosted the Offaly Novice Match. Eight new competitors donned the overalls and manned the machinery as they took part in their first ever ploughing competitions. Although there could only be one winner in each class on the day, it was encouraging to see such a turnout and such an interest from those competing in wishing to continue ploughing after it.

Jack O’Meara of South Offaly Ploughing Association and Charlie Bracken of Killoughey Ploughing Association came out on top in the Conventional and Reversible classes respectively and will go on to represent Offaly in this years All-Ireland, however, the other competitors can take heart in having put up a great battle. All competitors on the day were as follows:

Conventional:

Barry Egan – Killoughey

Jack O’Meara – South Offaly

Ruaidhrí Spain – South Offaly

Ben Gowing – North Offaly

Adam Carty – Killoughey

Reversible:

Oisin Kilmartin – Killoughey

Charlie Bracken – Killoughey

Ian Kelly – North Offaly

Killoughey Ploughing Association are ever grateful to their sponsors for their ongoing help and support. Their contribution is vital to the success and survival of the club. Sponsors for 2024 are as follows:

Mahon Oil; Tullamore Credit Union; Lennie Matthews; Brendan Casey Machinery; Tullamore Agri Supplies; Richard Dudley; ABP Nenagh; FBD Insurance; Michael Connolly; John Miller Agri; Bosco Guinan; Midland Vet; Michael Ryan Steel; The Beehive Pub; Paddy Keating; John Grennan & Sons; C.Brophil & Sons Butchers; Ger Coughlan Agri; PJ Lynam Tractor Spares; Peter Hinch; D&S Hardware; Billy Gleeson; Doolan Plant Hire; Concrete & Quarry Engineering; Alan Cox; Hiredepot; Willie Dermody; The Blueball Pub; Sean Bracken; Bradshaws; Tom Doolans Service Station; Slieve Bloom Veterinary; Liam Healion; Ray Delaney; Tírlan Tullamore; James Doyle Transport; Brendan Kelly; Blue Bull Machinery; Cosy Bar Clonaslee; Joe Dunican Plumbing; Thatch Rahan; John Mahon; Paddy & Paul Dunican Contractors; Alan Mitchell; Condron Tyres; Niall Claffey; Lambes Oil; Christy Carton; Newton Plant Hire; Jimmy Lambe; Palfinger; Patrick Mitchell & Co.; Thomas Leonard; Tom Lawlor.