In pictures: Listooder and District Ploughing Society holds successful 134th annual match

The society welcomed competitors, officials and spectators from across Northern Ireland to compete in both tractor and horse ploughing classes, continuing a proud tradition of promoting and preserving the skill and art of ploughing.

The event was supported by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, local sponsors and volunteers, with proceeds from the day supporting the Society's Challenge MND fundraising efforts.

Society chairman Mr Martin Gill said:”On behalf of Listooder and District Ploughing Society, I would like to sincerely thank Mr James Baird for once again providing such an excellent site for our annual match.

“This is the second time in three years that we have had the privilege of using this superb location and the society very much appreciates Mr Baird's support.”

He added: “We were delighted to welcome competitors who travelled from near and far. The field was full with classes for both horse and tractor ploughing, which was wonderful to see.

“The standard of ploughing throughout the day was exceptionally high and provided our judges with some very difficult decisions.

“Thank you to our judges for the professional way they carried out their duties. We are also extremely grateful to all our local businesses who have got behind us once again and supported our club.”

He continued: “Special thanks go to Libby, Kathleen and Ashleigh for providing excellent catering throughout the day and to our committee who worked tirelessly at very short notice to ensure the event was such a success.

“Finally, thank you to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for its support and to everyone who attended and helped make the 134th Annual Match such a memorable occasion.”

The society also celebrated another successful year for its competitors. Andrew Gill recently achieved an outstanding fourth place at the World Ploughing Contest in Croatia and successfully retained his Northern Ireland title the previous weekend, while William Gill continued his run of success in the vintage classes.

Results

World Style 12" Class

Sponsored by Slurryquip

1. Andrew Gill (Listooder PS)
2. David Gill (Annahilt)
3. Allen McAnally (Ballyboley PS)
4. James Coulter (Hillsborough PS)

Best Crown: David Gill

Best Finish: Andrew Gill

Classic Class

Sponsored by Quoile Fuels, Crossgar

1. Nigel Gamble (Ballynure)
2. Dai Kennedy (Listooder PS)
3. William McCracken (Mullahead PS)
4. Ben Jamison (Listooder PS)

Best Crown: Nigel Gamble

Best Finish: Dai Kennedy

Vintage Senior Class

Sponsored by Norman McBriar and Son

1. William Gill (Listooder PS)
2. David Grattan (Banbridge)
3. Seamus Crossan (Banbridge)
4. Jack Moore (Ards Peninsula)

Best Crown: William Gill

Best Finish : David Grattan and Jack Moore

Vintage Intermediate Class

Sponsored by Jonny Gill Landscapes

1. Harry Simms (Kilroot)
2. Graham McKee (Kilkeel)
3. David Poots (Hillsborough)
4. Robert McKee (Kilkeel)

Best Crown: Harry Simms

Best Finish : Harry Simms

Horse Class

Sponsored by Ask It Ballynahinch

John Weir (Ballyclare)

Style and Appearance Winner: John Weir (Ballyclare)

Special prizes

Youngest competitor – Harry Simms

Best work done with Ransomes Plough – Harry Simms

Best work by hydraulic plough – Harry Simms

Reserve vintage champion – William Gill

Vintage champion – Harry Simms

Best work by society member – Andrew Gill

Co Down champion – Andrew Gill

Reserve champion – David Gill

Champion of the Field – Andrew Gill

Listooder and District Ploughing Society would like to thank all competitors, officials, judges, sponsors, volunteers and spectators for their support and looks forward to welcoming everyone back again next year as the society continues its proud tradition of promoting excellence in ploughing and preserving one of agriculture’s oldest skills.