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Ploughing champion returns to Killarney 65 years after winning title

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PLOUGHING: Hugh and Kathleen Barr. Hugh was 28 when he won his first World Ploughing title in Killarney.

By Sean Moriarty

 

The man who won the second ever World Ploughing Championships held in Killarney in 1954 will return to the town today (Saturday) for the unveiling of a special peace cairn to commemorate the event.

 

Hugh Barr won the world titles in Killarney in 1954, Sweden in 1955, and England in 1956. Rules at the time decreed that a three-time winner was no longer eligible for the competition.

 

Canada hosted the first world event in 1953. A peace cairn is always erected by the host nation at the time of each competition, but for various reasons this was overlooked at the time by the Killarney organisers.

 

A group of local enthusiasts, with help from both the national and world ploughing federations, will correct that oversight by unveiling a peace cairn on Mission Road today at 4pm, and Hugh Barr will be there to witness it.

 

“There is no cairn in Killarney, there is one every other place and I am glad to see it happen now,” Mr Barr told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am 93 years of age. I don’t take up too many invitations but I am going to this. I went down some years ago with my wife and one of my daughters and we could not find any of the fields I ploughed in 1954.”

 

The managing director of the National Ploughing Association, Anna May McHugh, was appointed as an honorary board member of the World Ploughing Organisation last September.

 

The 84-year-old will also be in Killarney this weekend.

 

“I remember meeting Anna May in 1954,” added Barr. “She was introduced to ploughing at that event I won in 1954. She is still running a big business now and she is a wonderful person. I looking forward to seeing her too.”

 

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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