The Big Day!!!

There was huge drama at the conclusion of the Galway Ploughing Championships with a 'late finish' of just 10 seconds over the allotted time, costing Ollie Furey the title.

Ploughing chairman Ollie Furey came out on top with 192 points but incurred a penalty of five marks for finishing late by 10 seconds.

That deduction of five marks left him tied for the first place with Athenry's Pat Higgins, but Higgins shaded the issue when middle and furrow and straightness were added - he received one extra point for those.

Sean Gilligan of Menlough was in third while there was also very good work from Tommy Burke, Frank Kelly, Des Murphy and Martin Hession.

The under 28 class was won by Eamon Burke, Corundulla and the under 21 class was won by Aidan Kelly of Athenry.

The vintage single class was won by Danny Glynn from Moylough and the vintage two furrow by Joe Kelly from Monivea.

In the horse class, Gerry Riley of Claregalway took first with Philip Larkin of Clonfert a worthy second. The junior class was won by James Burke. John Slattery of Tipperary took the visitors category.

John Carrick of Moylough won the three furrow standard.

All involved in the county ploughing association would like to thank the sponsors for their support and the Killimor ploughing club for their help on the day.

The social and presentation of prizes took place on May 9th in the Meadow Court hotel.

There was a great turnout for the Galway finals with close to 1000 people attending.

Over sixty competitors took part in the various categories and it was quiet a spectacle to watch all the ploughmen getting set to complete their plot by 5:00pm.

The site owned by Sean Clasby was described by the ploughmen as one of the best they had ploughed for years. Tributes were paid to the Killimor committee for hosting the event with great efficiency.

The qualifiers for the county competitions represented various parishes throughout the county and a place in the national finals to take place in Kilkenny was at stake.

The open competition attracted a big entry and there was particular interest in the competition for locals.

Exhibits of tractors and machinery and other commercial stands attracted great interest while the children were occupied by the bouncy castle and dog show. Other stands displayed their wares and every interest was satisfied.

There was also a display of vintage cars and tractors and a threshing demonstration also proved popular.

The tug of war was fiercly contested by experienced teams and Belclair emerged the eventual winners. Galway Bay FM with Tom Geraghty broadcast live from the site.

The organisers - the Galway Ploughing Association along with the Killimor Branch - have paid a special thanks to all their sponsors and to Galway Co. Council for their Help.

The organisation also wished to thank all the volunteers for their invaluable help on the day.

Above are some of the many pictures taken on the day.

County Galway Ploughing Championships Postponed!!!

Unfortunatley due to adverse weather conditions the county ploughing championships have been postponed until April 20th

County Galway Ploughing Championships

2008 see's the county ploughing championships being held in Killimor, on Sunday March 30th, about 1.5 miles from the village on the Tynagh side in the townland of Moate.

A large crowd is expected to attend this event which is set to showcase the best of ploughing ability in the county and surrounding counties.

Some of the attractions will include the ploughing competition itself, the sheep dog trials, a vintage display reminding us of farming times past. There will also be a dog show containing 4 different classes and of course the annual Tug O' War for the county ploughing championship cup.

See below for a complete timetable of events.

Other attractions on the day will include something for all the family including for the children a bouncy castle & mini quad rides.

There will be a variety of trade stands for anybody who wants to see the latest and greatest tools and equipment or spend some money.

Food and Bar facilities will also be available on site on the day if you need refreshments.

Timetable of events:

10:00am - Sheep dog trails - open & novice classes
           Novice event confined to Connaught for the Dan Moran Cup
           All enquires to Alf Loftus on 087 990576 or Noel O'Toole
           on 086 1061600

1:00pm - Ploughing championship classes:
           Locals
           Under 21's
           Under 28's
           Intermediate
           Senior
           Vintage
           Horse Drawn
           Reversible

2:00 - All Ireland Hurling Club Champions - Portumna
         (The Al Hayes stand)

3:00 - Dog Show - 4 classes - entries accepted on the day

3:30 - Tug O' War - County ploughing championship cup

Other Attractions:

12:00 - 2:00 - Galway Bay FM Roadcaster with Tom Geraghty

Vintage Display, Trade Stands, Children's activities including mini quad rides and bouncy castle.

Food and Bar facilities available on site

Gala Traditional Music Session - Treacys at 7:00pm

Contact:
For more details and information contact:
Sean Clasby: 087 6690070
Pat Hardiman: 086 2228360