The highlight of today and the week for most ploughing enthusiasts came with the announcement of Ireland’s two representatives for the World Ploughing Championships in 2014.
Congratulations must go to John Whelan of Wexford competing in the Reversible Class and Eamon Tracey of Carlow competing in the Conventional Class. Both will take to the fields of France next September 5th and 6th in Bordeaux, once more representing their country with pride.
Speaking to AgriLand, Whelan said today’s win was “very special”.
“After winning the world title in July I really wanted to come here and retain my national title, to get down to France and try to defend my world title in the World Ploughing Championships so I’m delighted to be able to do that.
“It has been a great experience here in Laois. The soil conditions were good, a bit hard, but we are not complaining. It is good for everybody and we actually ploughed a lot better than we thought given the dry conditions, so we are happy with that.”
The results of the final ploughing competitions are available below:
Vintage Single Furrow Mounted Class Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Under-21 Conventional Class Junior Grade Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Standard 3 Furrow Reversible Class Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Special Horse Class Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Senior Conventional Test Match Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final (Day 2)
Loy Class Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Kverneland Reversible Test Match Thursday 26TH September 2013 Class Final (Day 2)
Junior Conventional Class Thursday 26th September 2013 Class Final
Pictured sharing a joke at the ploughing fields: NPC managing director Anna May McHugh, World Champion and National Ploughing Champion 2013 John Whelan and Taoiseach Enda Kenny/Image Ben Nolan
