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Gildernew applauds success of northern ploughmen

Friday, 24 September 2010

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has extended congratulations to local ploughmen on their success at the National and European Reversible Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Acknowledging their success, Minister Gildernew said: “I would like to pass on my congratulations to all our competitors. In particular the achievement of Magherafelt man David Wright who is now the European Reversible champion. This has been a magnificent achievement and once again demonstrates that when it comes to ploughing we are among the best.”

The DARD exhibition at the National Ploughing Championships hosted 11 small businesses. The Minister said: “With reports of record attendances at this year’s event, I was very proud that the DARD exhibition was able to host eleven small local rural businesses and give them a chance of tapping into such a large marketplace.

“I hope all the participants had a successful event and that the many potential business opportunities come to fruition. It is very important that our rural businesses maximise all opportunities across Ireland to grow their business and introduce themselves to potential new customers.”

The Minister added: “I would also like to take the opportunity to wish the organisers success with the 67th International Ploughing Championships that will be held on 15-16 October 2010, at Stewartstown, County Tyrone. I am looking forward to the event and watching our champion ploughmen in action.”

Other successes were David Gill finishing third in the Senior Conventional Class. The Visitors Class was won by Alan McNally, Ballyclare and Pat O’Donnell, Coalisland came second. Cecil Wray, Killyleagh finished third in the Vintage Class (Trailed) and Billy Ritchie, Moneymore came third in the Vintage Class (Lift).

Notes to editors:

  1. The 79th National and European Championships took place at Athy, County Kildare from 21-23 September.
  2. The north of Ireland’s 67th International Ploughing Championships will be held on 15-16 October 2010, at Stewartstown, County Tyrone.
  3. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.