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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