Huge crowds bask in glory of Co Longford Ploughing Championships

For 87 years Co Longford’s Ploughing Championships has stood the test of time and based on the evidence of last Sunday it will more than outlive that near nine decade long lifespan.

From early doors, crowds both young and old could be seen strolling through the lands of Sean Donohoe, Cartron, Granard to take in an occasion which not just reached, but exceeded the expectations of its small band of dedicated volunteers.

“It was an absolutely mighty day,” said an exuberant Barry White as he reflected on an event which was his first since being elected chairperson.

The Abbeyshrule man could have been forgiven for contemplating cancelling, or at best, postponing Sunday’s event following a week of incessant showers and inclement weather conditions.

Barry, like his tireless cohort of committee members never, in truth, entertained such a scenario as in excess of 2,000 patrons donned their wellies amid glorious sunshine.

“No, it was always going to go ahead,” said a defiant Barry when asked if the dreaded cancel word had entered his mind.

“Too much effort and too much work had gone into it to call it off.

“The weather held up, ground conditions were as good as they could be and we had 15 loy competitors which was huge. Everything went to plan.”

Away from the intricate demands of championship ploughing, there were attractions and features few, if any neighbouring events, could hold an agricultural candle to.

From eye-catching trade stands, the dulcet tones of Paul Kelly and Bríd Shaughnessy and a comprehensive array of children’s entertainment, you name it, last Sunday had it.

For secretary John Maye, a fellow first season office holder, it was an afternoon which could not have gone any better.

“We got great support from the local GAA club and gardaí and we had over 60 competitors which was a great return,” he said, adding the enormity of it all only began to sink in as the day gradually drew to a close.

“It wasn’t until I stood and looked out on the field at around 4pm and to see the crowds, it was just fantastic to say that we (committee) had pulled it off.”

As is customary with events of its ilk, obligatory messages of appreciation were reserved for the sponsors, landowner, stewards and volunteers before John attempted to sum up the afternoon in one fell swoop.

“A day that was enjoyable, a day with lots of laughs and lots of enjoyable memories.”

Who could argue with that? It may seem a world away, but Longford’s 2024 Ploughing Championships variety can’t come soon enough.