Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
UNPREDICTABLE weather conditions over the previous two years put paid this year to the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage run South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show but, in the overall scheme of things, the show must go on.
The ancient art of ploughing will be back in the spotlight again when the recently formed Killarney Ploughing Association holds its second points competition on the grounds of Coffey’s farm in Fossa on Sunday, November 4.
The ploughing match will commence at 11.00am and the organisers promise a great day of ploughing, conversation – and plenty of tea.
This is the second time a points match will be held in the Killarney and South Kerry area since the 1960s and the event was launched by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae on Wharton’s farm in Dromin.
There are now six ploughing associations in Kerry with the stronghold in North Kerry, where Ardfert, Abbeydorney, Ballyheigue, Ballyduff and Causeway keep the tradition alive and Killarney is also making its mark.
“Ploughing is such a wonderful tradition and heritage and the interest is enormous,” said PRO Siobhán Wharton.
There was a strong tradition of ploughing in Killarney and South Kerry area in the 1950s. The incredible local ploughmen excelled in competition, winning six All-Ireland titles and the town also hosted the first world championships in 1954. Killarney also hosted the National Ploughing Championships in 1939 and 1961.
The Association President, Danny O’Leary of Bishop’s Farm, Ballycasheen, was himself a champion at ploughing, winning many titles in the 1960s.
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