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IT’S an impressive sum – €60,000 and counting has been generated for local charities thanks to the South Kerry Ploughing Championships.

And this charity community event will turn back the clock and look to the future on the same afternoon as it unfolds on Sunday, September 11.

The third annual South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show has been scheduled for Fleming’s Farm, Grenagh, Fossa, and organisers are planning an action-packed, entertainment-filled family day out to generate funds for deserving local causes.

The event – fast developing into one of the social highlights of the year in Kerry – has already helped to raise 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 big day will feature over 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 while a stunning array of gifts will await the winner of the always popular bonny baby contest.

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, baking competitions, a model farm show 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 senior citizens while under-14s will be admitted free of charge.
 

 
Queen of the Land Christine Buckley, from Firies, getting some top ploughing tips from event director Tom Leslie and Mayor of Killarney Brendan Cronin whose late father, former county councillor PJ Cronin, was an All-Ireland ploughing champion. PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE