Lorrha/Dorrha
 

North Tipp. Ploughing

                                        First For North Tipperary Ploughing.

                                                      By: Rose Mannion.

 

North Tipperary Ploughing will, for the first time, host the classic vintage ploughing test match this August.  This is a great honour for the hard working North Tipp club members who are preparing to celebrate their 60th anniversary next year, 2025.

Run by the Vintage Ploughing Association, eight competitors representing their individual Counties, North Tipp, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Cork east, will arrive in the North Tipp village of Ballycommon on August 10th 2024 to battle it out on the ploughing field to be crowned the winner of the classic class as that person will then go ahead to represent Republic of Ireland in the European vintage championships which takes place during the National event in Ratheniska come September.

The Vintage Ploughing Association are also running an ‘classic visitors class’ with ten spots available. Counties are welcome to send competitors to participate in this class if they are interested in trying it out as a promotion of the class but pre-booking is essential direct by email to vintageploughingassoc@gmail.com or by phone to the secretary Aeneas Horan on (087) 946 0265.

The first all Ireland competition with about six competitors, was held in Ardfert Co Kerry on the Land of Jim Collins Ballymaquin,in 1984 which Cecil Ray from Northern Ireland won. Cecil was using a 1938 Fordson N for the event. The Class was Vintage Trailer, which is a plough pulled on wheels with no hydraulic lift, These ploughs were used during both World wars. Mr Denis Murphy was instrumental in getting the Vintage included as an All Ireland Class, with the help of the late Bertie Murray (Carlow) and Andy O’Connell from Lisgriffin (Cork) and the late Terry Gibson (Longford). Andy also competed in the 1984 Match and went on to win in 1985. He now manages the assembly area at the All Ireland and Judges ploughing matches when time permits.
In 1988 a single furrow Class was introduced which was won by PJ Lynham, and by Terry Gibson in 1989. The tractors used are mainly Farmall Cub, Massey Harris pony, and Deutz single cyl all under 22 HP.
Then in 1991 a 2 Furrow mounted Class was introduced and was won by Terry Gibson. This class is mainly made up of Ferguson, Massey Ferguson and Fordson Dexta.  These 3 Classes bring up to 45 competitors to the All Ireland competition.
Denis Murphy visited every County during the ploughing season and encouraged more and more people to compete and get involved knowing each and every vintage competitor by name. Sadly, Denis passed away in December 2021.
This year – 2024 – the Vintage Ploughing are Hosting the European Vintage Competition  in conjunction with NPA and there will be a new Classic Class for 2025 at the All Ireland.
While the competitors turn out in each of these Counties with Tractors and ploughs which have been restored to show the best of tractor competitor and plough, it could not go from strength to strength without the help of the NPA who provide insurance at local events and competitor packs and prizes at the All Ireland and encouragement to showcase the skill of good ploughing.

The three vintage classes are tractors and ploughs up to 1960, which were standard build at the time

The Classic Class will be tractors and ploughs from 1960 to 1976 which were standard build during that period.

While the Vintage Ploughing Association of Ireland (VPAI) is showing the skill with these tractors and ploughs, it is enhanced by the people who come to watch. and it can remind them of days gone by.

Pat Hough  (centre) (Cloughjordan)  will represent North Tipp Ploughing at the classic vintage test match on Saturday August 10th in Ballycommon. Pat qualified after winning the class outright at his first time of ploughing in the North Tipp championships held last May. The club wish him the very best of luck. Pat is pictured here with his two helpers Sean Quinlisk and Ken Cavanagh.   Photo: Rose Mannion.

 

The results from the North Tipp Ploughing Championships held on Saturday March 23rd 2019 on the lands of the Dennison family Kilbarron by kind permission.
Reversible: 1st Joe Slattery, 2nd Jimmy Ryan, 3rd John Cahalan. Conventional: Senior 1: 1st Larry Bergin, 2nd Johnathan Murray,3rd  John Slattery.  Senior 2: 1st Liam Hammilton, 2nd Tom Duffy, 3rd Noel Howley.  Under 28: 1st Lorcan Bergin, 2nd Liam Murphy, 3rd Mac-Darragh Kennedy. Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted: 1st Ethan Harding, 2nd Ray Clancy,3rd Paddy Doyle. Single Furrow: 1st James Hough,  2nd Andrew Hogan. Vintage Trailer: 1st Tommy Pierce, 2nd Aeneas Horan, 3rd David Gratton. Vintage Classic: 1st Timmy Horan, 2nd Trevor Hogan, 3rd Francis Worrell. Three Furrow: 1st Ciaran Milne, 2nd Tom Ryan, 3rd Eddie Hannon.

 

The site for the 2019 North Tipp Ploughing Championships is in Kilbarron by kind permission of the Dennison family. Due to the weather the ploughing fixed for March 3rd 2019 had to be cancelled. 

Lorrha U12A panel were delighted to receive sponsorship of shorts and socks from North Tipp Ploughing Association before their North Final which will take place in Toomevara on Thursday August 16th  2018 at 7.30pm

Front row: William O’Meara, Ava Young, Jake Houlihan, Killian Fitzgerald, Aaron Mc Donagh, Jason Houlihan, Con O’Meara, Liam Donoghue.

Back row: Conor Kennedy, Emma Deegan, Sarah Gorman, Ben Hough, James Hough NTPA, Lee Hogan, Ray Clancy, chairman NTPA, Rob Duffy, Nicholas Perry, Paul Cahalan, Kedagh Broderick. Missing from photo Cian Claffey and Niall Duggan.

 

North Tipperary Ploughing committee presented prizes to the winners of the recent championships which was held in Nenagh. The presentation took place on Saturday night March 31st 2018 in The Yanks Borrisokane Front from left: Joe Slattery, Ray Clancy (Chairman), John Slattery, Ethan Harding.
Back: Tom Duffy, Eddie Flynn (Treasurer), Liam Murphy, Laura McKenna (Secretary), James Hough, Tadgh Milne on behalf of his son Ciáran.   Pic: Rose Mannion.

The committee also held their main draw and the sponsors draw. The winners of the main draw was: 1st €300: Elaine Kelly, Nenagh. 2nd: €200: Sam Neill, Carlow. 3rd: €100: John Slattery, Coolbawn. 4th: two one day passes to the National Ploughing Championships: Richard Alexander, Fivealley. 5th: Hamper: Colette Bouchier, Lorrha. 6th: Chocolates: Brian Hehir, Carrig. 7th. Bottle Wine: Deirdre O’Meara, Rathcabbin.
The winners of the sponsors draw was: 1st: John Slattery (Coolbawn), 2nd: John Horan Tyres, Lorrha, 3rd: Younge Oil, Templemore, 4th: John Hastings & Sons Roscrea.
Chairman Ray Clancy thanked everyone who sold and bought tickets and paid a special tribute to the sponsors for their support.

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The 2018 venue for the 53rd Annual North Tipperary Ploughing Championships was held on lands at Rathnaleen Nenagh by kind permission

The North Tipperary Ploughing Championships took place on Saturday March 24th in brilliant sunshine at the third time of asking. The results are as follows. Senior Conventional: 1st- Larry Bergin, 2nd- John Slattery. Intermediate: 1st- Johnathan Murray, 2nd- Tom Duffy. Under28 – 1st- Liam Murphy, 2nd- Austin Shaw. Under 2: 1st- Michael Spain. Three furrow conventional. 1st- Noel Howley, 2nd- Ciaran Milne, 3rd- Tom Ryan. Senior Reversible: 1st- Joe Slattery, 2nd- Jimmy Ryan. Mounted Vintage: 1st- Ethan Harding, 2nd- Ray Clancy, 3rd- John McBryde, 4th- Walter Moroney. Vintage Classic: 1st- Francis Worell, 2nd-  Joe Cavanagh, 3rd- Trevor Hogan. Single Furrow: 1st- James Hough. Congratulations to all the winners.  The presentation of trophies along with the sponsors draw and the ploughing draw will take place on Saturday night (Easter Saturday) March 31st in McKennas pub Borrisokane at 9.00pm. All are invited to attend.

The new North Tipperary Ploughing Executive which was elected at the adjourned AGM on Wednesday night January 10th 2018  Front from left: Laura McKenna (Secretary), Eileen Duffy (President), Ray Clancy (Chairman), Eddie Flynn (Treasurer).
Back: Denis Cahalan (Assistant Secretary), Tom Duffy (committee), Joe Slattery (N.P.A. Rep), Eamonn Murphy (Vice Chairman).    Pic: Rose Mannion.

                         

                        North Tipperary Ploughing Executive Attracts Young Blood.

                                                             By: Rose Mannion

 North Tipperary Ploughing attracted new and young blood to the top table during their adjourned AGM which was held last week in Borrisokane.

2018 marks the 53rd Anniversary and the interest in taking on positions on the executive committee was indeed heartening as every position can be demanding and time consuming. This however, didn’t deter the interest shown, in particular that of the three main officers, chairman, secretary and treasurer.

The outgoing executive had served their allowed time of four years, with the exception of the chairman Eamon Murphy who had served more.  Eamon Murphy thanked his fellow officers for their help throughout the years and all the friends he made on that journey ‘and maybe enemies too’ he quipped. He said he hoped he left ploughing in a better state in North Tipp since taking the chair and he had a special word of thanks to all the competitors. He singled out Martina Duffy who he said ‘opened her house to everyone, always had the kettle boiling and served dinners to himself and others too’ he said.

Outgoing secretary Denis Cahalan in his report recalled the poor weather that was experienced in 2014 which meant the championships had to be cancelled twice. ‘The 50th Anniversary in 2015 which was held in Lorrha was even worse’ said Denis. ‘We had heavy hail showers and even snow while the following year was much the same in Terryglass’. He recalled having to cancel last year too with such poor conditions and then getting a lovely day later, when the committee eventually held the event to Borrisokane. Denis thanked all land owners for accommodating the ploughing through the years and his fellow officers before he singled out Caroline McKenna of The Yanks in Borrisokane for her hospitality over the four years.
Tom Duffy gave a comprehensive Treasurers report and answered all the questions put to him. He too thanked everyone for their support and urged all to ‘work together as a team, keep pushing forward as nothing will happen on its own’ he said. He finished by saying ‘God speed the plough, plough on’.

With the formalities of the meeting attended to, Eileen Duffy was returned unopposed as president as was vice president John Slattery. Three people were nominated for the position of chairman, Denis Cahalan, Ray Clancy and Tom Duffy.  Denis and Tom withdrew their names and Ray Clancy was declared elected. Eamon Murphy was elected vice chairman after James Hough withdrew his name after serving in that position for a number of years. Laura McKenna was elected secretary and Denis Cahalan was elected as her assistant. The meeting heard how Laura McKenna came of board in 2016 and was an able and willing worker with a great interest in the ploughing. The middle child of Vincent and Nicola, Laura has a keen interest in the ploughing and came onto the committee as assistant secretary in 2016 so it was a natural progression for her to be elected to replace the outgoing secretary Denis Cahalan. Eddie Flynn is the new Treasurer and John Cahalan his assistant. Joe Slattery remains as N.P.A. rep. while a new position that of PRO was created and Rose Mannion was elected to this position.

New Chairman Ray Clancy took the chair and thanking all outgoing officers for their work over the years. He singled out Eamon Murphy as been a great help to him with transport. He asked everyone to be patient with him as he was new to the position. NPA representative  Joe Slattery informed the meeting that all matches from now on will have to be timed and he quoted the rules. ‘This job will have to be carried out by a neutral person’ he said. He also mentioned that the European Reversible championships is to be held in Ireland in 2019, possibly in the West of the Country and separately from the National Ploughing Championships.

A follow up meeting was arranged for Wednesday night January 17th in The Yanks, Borrisokane at 8.00pm. The purpose of this meeting is to arrange the 2018 Championships.
The meeting ended with a minutes silence for all who suffered bereavements during the year.

 

The 52nd Annual North Tipperary Ploughing was held in brilliant sunshine on the lands of Joe & Lillian Austin  Borrisokane  Pictured here checking the entries is Eileen Duffy and Denis Cahalan

 

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North Tipperary Ploughing committee made a presentation of €500 the gate takings from the 2016 championships, to North Tipp Hospice during their annual draw which was held on Easter Saturday night March 26th in Paddys of Terryglass. From left: Tom Duffy, Treasurer, Denis Cahalan, Secretary, James Hough, Vice Chairman, Nigal Foxton and Lelia Kelly, North Tipp Hospice, Eamon Murphy, Chairman North Tipp. Ploughing.   

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Cups were presented to the North Tipp ploughing winners during the committee’s annual draw which took place on Easter Saturday night in Paddy’s Terryglass. From left: Eamon Murphy, Chairman, Ray Clancy, Vintage Hydrolic, Tadgh Milne who accepted the cup for his son Ciaran, 3 furrow, Tom Duffy, Intermediate, James Hough, Single furrow, Denis Cahalan, secretary. 

Draw Results.

North Tipperary Ploughing held their annual raffle and presented cups to the winners on Easter Saturday night last in Paddy’s bar Terryglass. They also presented a cheque for €500 the proceeds from the gate takings on the day of the Championship, to North Tipp Hospice and there to collect the cheque was Lelia Kelly and Nigal Foxton.  Chairman Eamon Murphy thanked everyone who attended especially the members. He went on to thank all the sponsors of the various prizes, ticket sellers and buyers. The results are as follows: 1st. €300. Seamus Loughnane (Tinlough, Birr). Seller: D. Loughnane. 2nd. €200 Tim Carey (Riverstown). Seller: Pakie O’Brien. 3rd. €100 Philip Tierney (Terryglass). Seller: Ken Harding. 4th Two free passes to the National Ploughing Championships: Mary Coen (Lorrha). Seller: Rose Mannion. 5th. Bt. Vodka Tim Ryan (Cloughjordan). Seller: R. Kennedy. 6th. Bt. Gin. Paul Lynch (Portlaois). Seller Laura McKenna. 7th. Bt. Wine. Michael Sullivan (Fadden). Seller: E. Kinsella. 8th. Bt. Wine Kathleen Flannery (Borrisokane). Seller: Denis Cahalan. 9th. Bt. Whiskey Dan Fogarty (Terryglass) Seller: Niamh Lyons. Cups were then presented to the North Tipp winners. Tom Duffy (Intermediate), Ciaran Milne won the 3 furrow and his dad Tadgh accepted the cup, Ray Clancy (Vintage hydraulic), James Hough (Single furrow).

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Secretary of North Tipp Ploughing committee Denis Cahalan lets a flare off to signal the commencement of the 51st Annual Championships which was held in dreadful weather conditions on Sunday March 6th 2016 on the lands of Brendan and Mairead Tierney Terryglass by kind permission.

North Tipperary Ploughing Results.

The results from the 2016 championships which took place on the farm of Brendan and Mairead Tierney in Terryglass by kind permission are as follows.

The committee wish to thank all who helped, supported and participated in the championships on March 6th. in such dreadful weather conditions.  Conventional (Senior): 1st. Larry Bergin (South Tipp), 2nd. D.J. McHugh (Laois), 3rd. Alan Davis (Laois). Intermediate: 1st. Jonathan Murray (Offaly), 2nd. Tom Duffy (North Tipp), 3rd. Sean Gilligan (Galway), 4th Jim Green (Laois). Junior: 1st. Noel Howley (South Tipp), 2nd. J.P. Fenlon (Laois). 3 Furrow: 1st. Ciaran Milne (North Tipp), 2nd: Tom Ryan (North Tipp), 3rd: Liam Morris (South Tipp), 4th: Andrew Wilson (North Tipp). Farmette: 1st. Laura Grant (Offaly). Reversible: 1st. Joe Slattery (North Tipp), there was a tie for 2nd place between John Cahalan (North Tipp) and Enda Kelly (Offaly), 3rd. Karl Davis (Laois). Reversible U28: Dermot Ryan (Offaly). Vintage Hydraulic: 1st. John McBride (Offaly), 2nd. Michael Bourke (Galway), 3rd. Ray Clancy (North Tipp), 4th. Ethan Harding (North Tipp). Classic Vintage: 1st. Adrian Kennedy (North Tipp), 2nd. Michael Spain (Offaly). Single Furrow: 1st. Trevor Fleming (Cork), 2nd. James Hough (North Tipp), 3rd. Andrew Hogan (North Tipp). Horses: 1st. Joe Egan (Longford), 2nd. Michael Bourke (Galway), 3rd. Philip Larkin (Galway), 4th Eamon McDonagh (Mayo).

 

Good Luck Ethan from all in North Tipp Ploughing

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Ethan Harding Borrisokane is wished the best of luck by the North Tipperary Ploughing committee as he prepares to travel to Veendam in the Netherlands this week to represent Ireland in the European vintage ploughing championships which will take place on Sunday next the 20th. September.  Ethan qualified for the European Vintage Ploughing Championships after winning out his category in the vintage two scrape hydraulic category at the National Ploughing championships in Ratheniska last September twelve months. Driving a 1956 Ferguson 35 four cylinder diesel tractor and pulling a two scrape Ransom TS59 N model vintage plough, Ethan created history not just for himself, but also for the N.T.P.A. as no other person has qualified on their first attempt. This is a great achievement for the young Borrisokane plough man who now represents Ireland on the big stage and he is wished the very best of luck on Sunday. Also pictured is from left, Owen Harding (Cousin), Denis Cahalan (Secretary N.T.P), Kenneth Harding (Ethan’s father), Tom Duffy (Treasurer N.T.P), Eamon Murphy (Chairman N.T.P).  

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North Tipperary Ploughing committee presented cups and trophies to the North Tipp winners of the recent local 50th Anniversary championships held on the lands of the Lambe family. The presentation took place in Kelly’s Rathcabbin. Front from left: Owen Clancy, (Rathcabbin), intermediate Loy confined, Sackie O’Brien, (Rathcabbin) intermediate Loy confined, Joe Slattery, (Kilbarron) senior reversible and also accepted the cup for his father John in senior conventional, Denis Cahalan, (Nenagh) committee secretary.  Back: Mark Kennedy (Rathcabbin) on behalf of his nephew Michael for minor Loy, James Hough, (Rathcabbin) single furrow, Ethan Harding, (Borrisokane), 2 furrow vintage. Ethan will also represent Ireland in the European Vintage Ploughing Championships which takes place in The Netherlands next September, Tadhg Milne for his son Ciaran, 3 furrow conventional, National Director Denis Duffy for Jack Ryan, novice Loy, Chairman Eamon Murphy for his son Liam, under 21 conventional, Treasurer Tom Duffy, intermediate conventional. 

Ploughing Results From March 29th 2015.

North Tipperary Ploughing committee thank everyone who helped in whatever way on Sunday 29th for the 50th Anniversary event. Supporters and competitors and especially those who travelled long distances to compete in difficult weather conditions. A special word of thanks to the Lambe family for the excellent location. The raffle will now take place on Saturday 18th April in Kelly’s Rathcabbin. Tickets are still on sale from all members, please support. The results of the Jubilee ploughing championships are:

Single Furrow Vintage: 1st. Trevor Fleming (Cork East), 2nd. Ronan McCormack (Meath), 3rd. James Hough (North Tipp), 4th Andrew Hogan (North Tipp).

Classic Vintage: 1st. Brian McNally (Cavan), 2nd. Trevor Hogan (North Tipp), 3rd. Eamon Kiernan (Longford).

Trailer Vintage: 1st. Tommy Pierce (Wicklow), 2nd. Tom McCabe (Meath).

Vintage Hydrolic: 1st. Ethan Harding (North Tipp), 2nd. Oliver Smyth (Meath), Joint 3rd: John McBryde (Offaly) & Michael Bourke (Galway).

Reversible: 1st. Joe Slattery (North Tipp), 2nd. Enda Kelly (Offaly), 3rd. Jimmy Ryan (Kilkenny).

Under 28 Reversible: 1st. Danny Dwyer (Kilkenny).

Under 28 Conventional: 1st. Sean Monaghan (Offaly), 2nd. Sean Treacy (Carlow).

Senior Conventional: 1st. Pat Higgins (Galway), 2nd. Anthony Reynolds (Longford), Joint 3rd: John Slattery (North Tipp), Christy Carton (Westmeath).

Junior Conventional: 1st. Noel Howley (South Tipp), 2nd. Paddy Finnegan (Longford), 3rd Donal Troy (Laois).

Intermediate: 1st. Jonathan Murray (Offaly), 2nd. Alan Davis (Laois), 3rd. Eamon Meade (Laois), 4th. Des Murphy (Wexford).

Three Furrow: 1st. Ciarán Milne (North Tipp), 2nd Liam Morris (South Tipp), 3rd. Tom Ryan (South Tipp).

Under 21: 1st. Liam Murphy (North Tipp), 2nd. Brian Coady (Offaly).

Farmette: Laura Grant (Offaly).

Horse Class: 1st. Gerry Reilly (Galway), 2nd. Joe Egan (Longford), 3rd. Michael Burke (Galway), 4th. Philip Larkin (Galway).

Iron Horse Class: 1st.Gavin Duffy (Dublin), 2nd. Richard Duffy (Meath), 3rd. J.J. Farrell (Meath), 4th. Benny Usher (Dublin).

Loy Digging. Intermediate Open: 1st. Sackie O’Brien (North Tipp), 2nd Martin Payne (Longford), 3rd. Joe White (Longford), 4th. Eoin Clancy (North Tipp).

Senior Open:  1st Thomas Tierney (Westmeath), 2nd. P.J. McStay (Westmeath).

Under 21: 1st. Michael Kennedy (North Tipp), 2nd. Jack Ryan (North Tipp).

Ladies Loy: Amy Daly (Westmeath).

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North Tipperary Ploughing Secretary Denis Cahalan is interviewed by Eamonn O’Dwyer of Tipp FM when he recorded a Down Your Way Programme from Kellys Rathcabbin to mark the 50th  Anniversary of North Tipperary Ploughing. The even took place on January 18th 2015.

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Ethan Harding Borrisokane qualified for the European Vintage Ploughing Championships after winning out his category in the vintage two scrape hydraulic, at the National Ploughing championships in Ratheniska last September. Driving a 1956 Ferguson 35 four cylinder diesel tractor and pulling a two scrape Ransom TS59 model vintage plough, Ethan creating history not just for himself, but also for the N.T.P.A. as no other person has qualified on their first attempt. This is a great achievement for the young Borrisokane plough man who will go on to represent Ireland in Veendam which is 215 km North East of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands on Sunday 20th September 2015. 

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North Tipperary Ploughing Chairman Eamon Murphy and committee  wish the best of luck to our National Ploughing Championship competitors who compete in the  ploughing championships.

Joe Slattery Senior Reversible, John Slattery Intermediate Conventional, John Cahalan Intermediate Reversible, Ciaran Milne 3 Forrow Conventional Match, Liam Murphy Under 21 Junior, Tom Duffy Junior Conventional Class, Ethan Harding Vintage 2 furrow Hydraulic. James Hough Single furrow, Pakie O`Brien & Owen Clancy Junior Loy.

We also congratulate  out secretary Denis Cahalan on his appointment as a head supervisor at the National Ploughing Championships. Well done Denis.

 

Ethan Ploughing his way to Europe.

North Tipperary Ploughing wish to offer congratulations and well done  to Ethan Harding who has qualified for the European Ploughing Championships after winning out his category in the vintage two furrow hydraulic, at the National Ploughing championships in Ratheniska last week. This is a great achievement for the young plough man who qualified for this important event on his very first attempt and indeed, he has created history not just for himself, but also for the N.T.P.A. as no other person has qualified on their first attempt. He will go on to represent Ireland in the Netherlands next September 2015.  Well done Ethan and the very best of luck.