Longford's first female ploughing chair steps down after a decade

A breeze of change wafted through the annual general meeting of Longford Ploughing Association, which was held in the Rugby Club on Wednesday, December 7.
The guest presiding officer was PJ Lynam from Kilbeggan, who attended on behalf of the National Ploughing Association.

Chairperson Cynthia Geelan Cruise recalled the challenges of a fresh start last Spring, after a lonely break of three years. Ms Geelan Cruise added, “The risk we took to press ahead with a public event turned out so successful. It was amazing to see so many people and so many children out to enjoy freedom, sunshine and all the activities on the farm of John & Helen Kiernan.”

Cynthia thanked the main sponsor of the County Ploughing Championships, Raymond Farrell at Robinstown Haulage and all sponsors who got behind the Association in their endeavours.

Cynthia also thanked everyone who helped in any way during the year, highlighting the immense support the Association received from the people of Granard. “We had over 50 competitors on the ploughing plots from Armagh, Donegal, Tipperary, Wicklow and everywhere in between.”
Cynthia received a standing ovation from the members, as she stepped down from the chair.

First elected in December 2012, Cynthia was the first woman to chair Longford Ploughing Association, a role she fulfilled with distinction over the last ten years.

Cynthia was always scouting for free attractions for younger children to enjoy at Longford Ploughing. She delivered an expanding music and entertainment menu year after year.
However her true focus was networking with ploughing competitors and encouraging new and younger members to develop their skills.

Cynthia’s contribution is certain to continue as she was returned as Vice Chair of Longford Ploughing immediately after Barry White from Abbeyshrule was elected Chairperson.

Tom Bannon from Ardagh, also stepped down after over a dozen years of dedicated service as Secretary. Ballymahon man John Maye who has been instrumental in organising the ‘Abbeyshrule Christmas Lights Tractor Run’ is the new Ploughing Secretary while Tom Bannon will continue as Assistant Secretary.

Another notable new face on the frontline is Kevin Reilly from Colmcille, who takes over from John Maye as Exhibition Manager for 2023. Best wishes to all the committee members as they prepare for the 2023 ploughing season.
PRO Luke Casey remarked, “We wish all our patrons, sponsors and friends a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2023 County Longford Ploughing Championships & Family Field Day which is being hosted by Sean Donohoe at Higginstown, Granard on Sunday, March 23, 2023.
God Speed the Plough!

Longford Ploughing Association Committee for 2023
Honorary Presidents: Eamon Egan, Tom Reynolds
Vice Presidents: Bernie Jordan, Brendan Quigley, Thomas Monaghan
Chairperson: Barry White
Vice Chairperson: Cynthia Geelan Cruise
Secretary: John Maye
Assistant Secretary: Tom Bannon
Treasurers: Mel McKenna, Neville Mills, Anne Marie Gray
PRO: Luke Casey, Cynthia Geelan
Exhibition Manager: Kevin Reilly
Transport Manager: Thomas Monaghan
Safety Officer: Declan McCormack
N.P.A. Director: Bernard Kenny