73rd ploughing event heads for Limavady

The event, sponsored this year by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Donnelly Group and Doc’s Catering will be held on the Edenmore Road, Bovally, Limavady.

The launch was held in The Drummond Hotel, not far from this year’s site.

Representatives from NIPA stakeholders included Alderman Maura Hickey, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Victor Pollock (Sales Director) of Donnelly Group; Landowners The Deans and Gordon Families, Lorna Wastson DAERA; YFCU Representatives; Ivor Ferguson, UFU; Kenny Gracey, Forthill Farms and JB Tyres. NIPA representatives included William King, President; Wilson Holden, Chairman; Lindley Deans; Vice-chairman; Glenn Kerr, Treasurer and several members from NIPA Central Committee.

Lindley Deans, NIPA Reception Committee, welcomed guests to the launch of this year’s prestigious event and introduced NIPA Chairman, Wilson Holden, who highlighted plans for this year’s contest.

“Following a successful championships last year at Balmoral Park, the NIPA are delighted for the event to be on this excellent site in Limavady. We are extremely grateful to the Deans and Gordon families for kindly agreeing to be our hosts,” he said.

“Apart from the ploughing, there are many different attractions for all the family to enjoy at our event this year. We are looking forward to hosting top competitors from NI and ROI. As well as our usual trade exhibitors from across the agricultural sector and beyond, we are indebted to the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster who hold their fencing competition and soil assessment which attracts over 20 clubs from all across the province,” commented William King, M.B.E (President).

Mr King welcomed Alderman Maura Hickey from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council who will be Principal Sponsor of the ploughing championships.

“Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are delighted to welcome the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association to Limavady. We look forward to partnering together with the NIPA to host this year’s NI Ploughing Championships,” she added.

Lindley Deans spoke on behalf of all the landowners, welcoming the ploughing championships back to Limavady, adding: “We are really glad to be hosting the ploughing championships. It is a key date in the calendar for the agricultural community, and we wish competitors every success at the event.”

Northern Ireland is recognised worldwide for its achievements in ploughing – both at a national level and worldwide level, having won the Golden plough 10 times, and both David Wright (1st) and Adrian Jamison (3rd) placed in the 2015 European Championships held in Holland.This year’s championships are a must-see for everyone and following on from the success of last year’s European Ploughing Contest, will provide Northern Ireland with the opportunity to celebrate and showcase excellence in agriculture.

For more information visit www.niploughing.com or follow Northern Ireland Ploughing Association’s facebook page. Trade stand bookings can be obtained from NIPA Treasurer, Glenn Kerr on 07850 750954.