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A look back on the 1954 World Ploughing Championship

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PLOUGHING: Michael Lesley and Tim O'Shea remember the great days of the World Ploughing Championships in 1954. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Two of Killarney’s old stock have been remincising about 1954, as the local ploughing club prepares to unveil a monument to commemorate the World Ploughing Championships.

 

Plans are in place to build a peace cairn on Mission Road to commemorate the world championships visit to Kerry 65 years ago.

 

For various reasons this worldwide tradition was not honoured at the time, but thanks to the efforts of the local ploughing club, this oversight will now be corrected and the new cairn will be unveiled today (Saturday) by the Irish National Ploughing, South Kerry Ploughing and representatives from the World Ploughing Association, who will unveil the new cairn with a special ceremony.

The 1954 world ploughing championship was contested by teams representing 13 different countries.

Tim O’Shea’s father Michael “Mackey” O’Shea was on the organising committee 55 years ago.

“There was a parade of tractors through the town the day before the competition,” he said. “My memory is of all the flagpoles of all the different nations. It was something that was never before seen in Killarney. It was a huge occasion, I remember all the meetings were held over our shop in Main St.”

Michael Leslie’s father was involved in the first competition 65 years ago, and his son Tom is one of the driving forces behind the current plan to build the peace cairn.

“I was only 16-years-old but it started a life-long interest in tractors and ploughing,” he said. “There were lots of different tractors from all over the world at a time when they were very few tractors in this area.”

 

 

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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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