50 years of ploughing

For the third time in its 50-year history, the Clare Ploughing Championships were held in Cratloe but the real familiarity was in the appearance of recognised ploughmen on the roll of honour.
The Brickenden family opened their farm at Portdrine to the championships and according to PRO PJ Ryan, the day was a resounding success, enhanced by the favourable weather conditions.
All prizes were presented at a function following the championships, at The Woodcross Bar in Cratloe where the Brickenden family were guests of honour.
Results
Senior Open (Gerard Frost Perpetual Trophy): 1. Larry Bergin, Tipperary; 2. Matt Duffy, Limerick; 3. Ollie Furey, Galway; 4. John Slattery, Tipperary.
Clare Senior (confined) (Gerard O’Brien Perpetual Trophy): 1. Gerard Frost Jnr, Kilkishen; 2. John Joe Donnellan, Sixmilebridge; 3. Pat Quinn, Newmarket; 4. Gerard Hannon, Kildysart.
Clare U-28 (Sean Collins – John Lyons Perpetual Cup): 1. Sinéad Corbett, Newmarket for the best overall plot.
Open U-28: 1. John Dillane, Limerick.
Clare County U-21: 1. Barry Donnellan, Sixmilebridge.
Open U-21: 1. Liam Murphy, Galway.
Clare Junior Cup: 1. Paul Browne, Cratloe.
Intermediate Open: 1. D Murphy.
Clare Vintage – two furrow mounted (Jim Browne Perpetual Trophy): 1. John White, Meelick; 2. Walter Moroney, O’Callaghan’s Mills; 3. Louis Quinn, Newmarket.
Open Mounted Vintage (PJ Ryan Perpetual Trophy): 1. Joe Kelly, Galway.
Trailed Vintage Competition: 1. Sean Murray.
Horse Class: 1. Jim Cronin, Bridgetown; 2. Martin Moloney, Kilmaley.
Open Horse Class: 1. Ger O’Reilly, Galway; 2. Sonny Egan, Kerry.
Reversible Open Class: 1. Joe Slattery, Tipperary; 2. Colin Ruttle, Limerick; 3. Gary Ireland, Kilkenny.