The Mayo County Ploughing Championships take place on the O’Malley family farm in Turin, Kilmaine, on April 16. Pictured were the land owners and committee members at the launch of the event. At front, from left: Davy Macken (president), Michéal O’Malley and Gerry Burke. At back: Sophie O’Malley, Pearl Hoarde, David Derrig (chairman), Philip O’Malley and Michaela O’Malley. PHOTOS: TRISH FORDE

All set for Mayo Ploughing Championships

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IT'S one of the highlights of the agri and rural calendar and it's back this weekend.

All roads will lead to Turin, Kilmaine, on Sunday, April 16, where the O'Malley family farm will host the event. The eircode for the venue is F31RW89.

MEP Maria Walsh will be on hand to perform the official opening at 3 p.m.

A firm favourite on the farming calendar, as well as the ploughing competitions themselves, with all classes covered, there will be lots of trade stands, as well as sheep dog trials, a dog show, music on the field by James Biggins, and a free bouncing castle for young guests.

With something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy, the event will draw thousands from around the county and beyond.

This is a real celebration of rural life and is the first of the big agri shows in the county this year.

Gates open at 8 a.m. and the ploughing will start at 12 noon.

Ultimately, of course, all roads for the ploughers will hopefully lead to the National Ploughing Championships this autumn.

* Below, a selection of photos from the event launch by Trish Forde

At the launch of the Mayo County Ploughing Championships were committee members, at front, from left: Gerry O'Brien (safety officer), Davy Macken (president), David Derrig (chairman), Gerry Burke, Shane Duffy and John Joe Walsh (vice-chairman). At back: Ger Regan, Andy Walsh (joint treasurer), Patrick Biggins, Noel Walsh, Padraic Walsh, John Joe Hughes (joint treasurer), Conor Murphy (secretary), John Joe Loftus (NPA representative) and Sean Walsh.
At the launch were, from left: David Derrig (chairman), Ger Regan (committee), Jarlath Walsh (Mayo IFA chairman) and Roy O'Brien (IFA Galway/Mayo).
From left: Gerry Burke (committee), Davy Macken (president), P.J. Coen (P.J. Coen Engineering), presenting sponsorship, and Davy Macken (president). Photo by Picasa
Ploughing competitors. At front, from left: Gerard Canny, Patrick Gibbons, Davy Macken (president), Simon Morley and Shane Duffy. At back: Pat Burke, Conor Murphy (secretary), David Derrig (chairman), Eamonn McDonagh, Gerry Sheridan and Sean Walsh.
Gerry Burke (committee), on left, Alicia McHale presenting sponsorship on behalf of Kevin McHale Farm Supplies, Kilmaine, and David Derrig (chairman).
From left: John Joe Hughes (joint treasurer), Gerry O'Brien (safety officer), Teresa Gibsey (Aurivo Mart), presenting sponsorship, and Francis Burke (Aurivo).
From left: John Joe Walsh (vice-chairman), John Joe Hughes (joint treasurer), Fiona Prenty (FBD Insurance), presenting sponsorship, and Conor Murphy (secretary). Photo by Picasa
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