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History of World Ploughing remembered in Killarney

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Photos by Valerie O'Sullivan

Mrs Anna May McHugh, Managing Director and Secretary of National Ploughing Association (and her Daughter Anna Marie McHugh Assistant Managing Director) Killarney to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club.

Mrs Anna May McHugh (right) Managing Director & Secretary of National Ploughing Association (NPA) and her Daughter Anna Marie McHugh Assistant Managing Director (NPA) visited Killarney to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club.

Mrs Anna May McHugh (right) Managing Director & Secretary of National Ploughing Association (NPA) and her Daughter Anna Marie McHugh Assistant Managing Director (NPA) visited Killarney to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club.

Mrs Anna May McHugh (right) Managing Director & Secretary of National Ploughing Association (NPA) and her Daughter Anna Marie McHugh Assistant Managing Director (NPA) visited Killarney to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club.

They took time to reminisce and made a surprise visit to Anne O’Shea and her family in O’Sullivan Place. Anne, whose late husband Paddy, well-known community stalwart, football and hurling champion, and local historian. Paddy had written an inventory of machinery for the World Ploughing Championships when it was held in Killarney in 1954.

Paddy’s meticulous programme included a detailed catalogue with the name of each tractor, the number and signature of each competitor - at that time Paddy worked in Culloty.s Garage in College Street and had a great interest in machinery and cars.

Anne presented the programme to Tom Leslie, Chairman of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club who in turn presented it to Anna May McHugh, who was secretary of the National Ploughing Association when the world championships were held in Killarney.

It was the first World Ploughing Contest to take place on European soil and the second ever World Ploughing Competition.

Both Anna May and Anne recalled many stories, including the ‘frock’ for ‘Queen of the Plough’ which was purchased in Hilliard’s drapery shop!
Anne O’Shea’s own family were also involved with the historical event. “I remember my parents owned a bar in College Street, my father had the franchise for the bar on the grounds of Killarney House. Because he was a civil servant, he wasn’t supposed to be running a bar. My Mother made the sandwiches, and he washed the glasses (out of sight)”

The McHugh Ladies were ushered to Killarney Race Course, as special guests of honour, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club. The Club has raised thousands of euro for local charities since their establishment in 2013.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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