News
Centenarian Michael to launch ploughing championships
H
HE MIGHT be older than Ireland but 103-year-old Michael O’Connor from Killarney is still full of energy and continues to lead a hectic social schedule. He has been lined up to officially launch this year’s South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show which has been scheduled for Fleming’s Farm, Grenagh, Fossa, for Sunday, September 11.
Despite his great age, Michael still drives and he remains an enthusiastic gardener, zipping around his garden on his drive-on mower every chance he gets. And he attributes his long and healthy life to a love of the land and a little bit of mini ploughing of his own. “If you only dug a hole in your back garden today and filled it in tomorrow, you’re doing yourself a good turn,” he said.
The ploughing event has already helped to generate in excess of €60,000 for local organisations and this year’s beneficiaries will be the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association, Down Syndrome Kerry, the Irish Pilgrimage Trust and the Kerry-Cork Health Link Bus.
It is organised by the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club and there will be several celebrities in attendance on the day, mingling with the thousands of people expected to flock to the venue on the main Killarney to Killorglin road.
The event will feature close on 200 trade stands, traditional and modern method ploughing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, sheep shearing competitions, harvesting demos, machinery showcases and traditional farm practice exhibitions – and that’s only for starters.
There will be two fashion shows on the day with sensational prizes on offer for the most stylish lady and the best-dressed man. Two fun zones with rollercoasters and a hugely popular Maze in the Maize will be on site to keep children – and the young at heart – amused and novelty sideshow events this year will include an all-breed dog show, a model farm show, a children’s baking competition and live bands to create a real party atmosphere.
Several food zones will be on site at this year’s South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show and there will be activities and novelties on the day for people of all ages and interests, including vintage and classic vehicle displays, stationary engines, competitions for fabulous prizes and so much more.
One lucky person could win a wonderful vintage Ford Anglia and five-star weekend breaks will also be up for grabs.
A major traffic management plan will be enforced with 60-acres of land set aside for free parking while the Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show will take place in an adjoining 60 acres of land owned by the Fleming family.
The gates will open at 11am and patrons are advised to arrive early as there will be so much to see and do on the day. Admission will be €10 for adults and €5 for students over 14 years of age and OAPs while under 14s will be admitted free of charge.
Michael O'Connor, 103, at the wheel of a vintage Ford car which will be raffled at the South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show which will take place on Fleming's Farm, Fossa, Killarney, on September 11 in aid of the Killarney Branch of the Irish Kidney Association. Also in photo are from left, Connie and Karen Brosnan, Killarney Brance of the Irish Kidney Association and Tom Leslie, Chairman, SKP. The event is in aid of local charities has raised over €60,000 in the past two years.
PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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