New attractions added for the 101st Mullahead Ploughing Match

Pupils from St Catherine's College, Armagh. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

The launch of the match, which will be held on Saturday, February 27, at Richardson Estate, Portadown, attracted a strong turnout of sponsors and organisers who were joined by local MLAs, councillors and pupils from a number of local schools.

DUP Councillor and Northern Ireland Assembly candidate Carla Lockhart was fullsome in her praise of the event.

She said: “This event just keeps getting bigger and better every year. I always look forward to the ploughing championships at Mullahead. As a faithful attender I can safely say that year on year the show is just getting bigger and better every year with a more family friendly feel.

Gareth Williamson, Bank of Ireland, Cliff Kells, Tesco, Jonathan Richardson, land owner, Mayor Darryn Causby, Sean Largey, Tesco, William Thompson, Bank of Ireland, and Kenny Gracey. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

“The society is a progressive, forward-thinking and moving club and I am proud to have been able to lobby on their behalf for funding from the new ABC Council area.”

This year there has been additional themes added to the schedule including the welly boot competition, the Cook-off, and the Strong Men competition.

Ms Lockhart continued: “I will be showing my support for the event by attending and continuing to lobby for additional funding going forward. It is essential that events like this in the farming calendar are retained for many years to come.

“There is a social element to this event and it is a great day for the farming and rural fraternity to come together and enjoy the ploughing of the famous Richardson family’s land, and other related activities.”

Cllr Gareth Wilson, William Irwin MLA, William Gilpin, Gilfresh, and Sydney Anderson MLA. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Newry & Armagh DUP MLS and Chairman of Stormont’s Agriculture Committee William Irwin MLA said the organisers of the annual ploughing match “deserve huge credit for putting on such a tremendous show year on year”.

He added: “The event draws a huge crowd and the variety of events put on by the organisers caters for a wide selection of interests which makes the event so appealing.”

He concluded: “Hopefully the weather will be on our side this year and indeed I wish the team at Mullahead every success as they put the finishing touches in place in preparation for this year’s event and I again look forward to visiting this fantastic show.”