Longford ploughing sponsors relishing return of event to Granard

When it comes to any large scale social gathering, sourcing an adequate site and being able to finance it are never too far away from even the most informal of discussions.
Step forward Charlie Burns and Sean Donohoe, proud Granard men who have more than helped plug that gap.

The pair are the joint sponsors, together with Raymond Farrell of Robinstown Haulage, behind an event which once again returns to the north Longford town on lands that are owned by Sean, just off the main N55 and adjacent to Granard Fire Station.
It’s a dynamic double act that organisers firmly believe could redefine ploughing as the county’s leading agricultural pursuit.

“It was 2008 the last time they ploughed in the field,” said Sean. “It was here two years ago on Patrick Durkin’s (field) in 2019 which is beside ours.”
His able sidekick and agricultural consultant is without doubt one of the most instantly recognisable figures within the local farming sector.
Charlie said he had little, if any hesitation, about becoming involved in an event which he has remained closely aligned to over the years.

“Most of it too is our own customer base, country farmers and that’s another reason why I am so heavily involved,” he said.
Apart from a mutual interest in farming, both men share a common passion in seeing Granard, as a town, shake off any lingering post Covid woes.
“It is great for the businesses, even the shops last year were telling us they did a bomb with even the selling of things like ice cream and the pubs are booming with takeaways being packed out too,” said Charlie.

A publican with decades of experience behind him, Sean likewise spoke of how important this Sunday’s championships is to the town.
“It brings a huge amount of people to the town and hopefully as many businesses this time get a twist out of it,” he said.

Like any good forward thinking stakeholders heavily immersed in bringing Longford’s Ploughing Championships to fruition, Sean and Charlie are acutely aware of the need to expand and ensure the event maintains its popularity.

“There is a junior ploughing competition and there is a ladies ploughing competition so there is a good level of diversity there for people,” said Sean.

“Last year we were blessed with the weather and hopefully this year will be the same.”
Whatever the elements come Sunday afternoon, Longford’s Ploughing Championships at face value at least, could not be in safer hands.