Ploughing society returns after a break of eight years

Pictured at the Kircubbin, Portaferry and District Ploughing Match are former world champion David Gill from Annahilt, Co Down, and Brian McNally, chairman of the Kircubbin, Portaferry and District Ploughing Society. The match, which was held at the Springwell Road, Groomsport, Co Down, last Sunday, on land kindly donate by Mr Ted Thompson, was the first that the society had held in eight years. Competitors came from across Northern Ireland and there were several from southern Ireland too. For full report and more photographs see this Saturday's Farming Life. Picture: Darryl Armitage

The event was held near the town of Groomsport, Co Down, and was the first event hosted by the club in eight years and sees a rejuvenated society.

Spokesperson for Kircubbin, Portaferry and District Ploughing Society Brian McNally said the event had been carefully planned along with the Society of Ploughmen for Northern Ireland and supported by the Ploughing Academy Northern Ireland following the influx of young people getting involved in competition ploughing and along with the top ploughmen in the country sharing their knowledge, the event catered for people of all ages and experience.

“These ploughmen attending our event travel the length and breadth of Ireland, north and south, showcasing the art of ploughing and this was very evident at the event with a high standard of ploughing over the two days,” he said.

Pictured at the Kircubbin, Portaferry and District Ploughing Match are James McKee and Joel McKee from Ballyeasborough, Co Down, and Ian McDowell from Dromara, Co Down. Pictures: Darryl Armitage

One of the furthest travelled was Mr Gerry Byrne from Co Dublin and also in attendance was vice chairman of the National Ploughing Association of Ireland Mr John Deery from Co Monaghan with his family.

This year, because of the Covid-19 lockdown, the ploughing season had to be halted just as it was getting into full swing and it was clear that these ploughmen couldn’t wait to get back into action.

Strict regulations were put in place in order for this event to take place due to the pandemic, track and trace, temperature recordings, social distancing and respecting each other’s space was very much the number one priority at the event.

After the disappointing weather over the past few weeks, the sun shone over the two days of the event and the ground conditions were fantastic for ploughing at the  picturesque site overlooking the Irish Sea with Scotland in the distance - it was a sight to behold.

Pictured at the Kircubbin, Portaferry and District Ploughing Match are Boyd Shanks and Eric Breedan from Ballyblack, Newtownards. Pictures: Darryl Armitage

One of the major success stories of ploughing in Northern Ireland is the work being carried out by the Ploughing Academy for Northern Ireland and their motto to ‘Inspire, encourage and enjoy’ was very evident at the event with former world ploughing champion David Gill being the busiest man in the field sharing his knowledge with everyone.

Special thanks must be given to land owner Mr Ted Thompson who addressed everyone at the prize distribution afterwards in the field, saying how honoured he was to host such an event. He hoped everyone enjoyed themselves, he then wished everyone a safe journey home.

Brian McNally concluded with the same message and said that he cannot wait to next year, adding: “Stay safe everyone.”