New chairman confident return of Longford Ploughing Championships will be a great success

Alongside what can arguably be described as being the most comprehensive and fun filled of ploughing finals for some time, organisers are putting the finishing touches to the 2023 offering.

The main protagonist charged with bringing it to fruition is newly elected chairman Barry White.

The Abbeyshrule man assumed that mantle from predecessor Cynthia Cruise, who stepped down last December following a decade at the helm.

Standing inside the doors of The Bay Horse bar in Granard at a recently held launch night, Barry said despite his sense of new found responsibility, his job was one that was not as arduous as one might think.

"It’s not too bad because we have great committee members and you can spread it out among the whole committee which means there isn’t as much pressure on my own shoulders," he said, revealing how he had served his apprenticeship as vice chairperson for "three to four years" previously.

"The position came up and I just went for it," he said confidently.

Barry's involvement and recent elevation to the role of chair continues a long family tradition that saw his father Raymond serve at the ploughing championships top table for 12 years.

"I always went to the ploughing meetings, had a bit of interest in it and I just followed on from him," he added.

Asked as to what sets Longford apart from its nearest neighbours, Barry didn't take long in delivering his answer.

"A good committee and a great interest for a county that wouldn’t be a huge tillage county," he said.

"We have European ploughmen ploughing for the county. You only have to look at the likes of Anthony Reynolds who is top notch.

"Then, we there is all the trade stands and amusements for kids. It is a good family filled day out.

Barry also referenced the importance in having a suitable venue, illustrated this year by lands occupied by local publican and co sponsor Sean Donohoe.

"There will be preparations up to the day itself and there is always room for an extra pair of hands," joked Barry.

"But once we have good competitors and a good day, that makes it all."