Fannins' Farm hosts Cavan Championship

 

A slice of idyllic rural life will be served up in Ballyhaise this May Bank Holiday Monday at the Cavan Ploughing Championships.

A special attraction this year will see the legendary Big Tom McBride swap his electric guitar for a diesel tractor to showcase his skills with a plough.

When it comes to the real competitors, with aspirations to go far in the agri-sport, there are places on the County Cavan team for the National Ploughing Championships in September at stake. Secretary of Cavan Ploughing Samuel Thompson explained that there will be representatives from the junior, the single furrow class, and the three furrow class progressing through to the All Ireland Finals.

As always the organising committee, under the chairmanship of Kingscourt's Patrick Donnellan, has compiled an exciting variety of events including loy digging, horse ploughing and a wonderful vintage display.

Senior, intermediate, junior and visitors classes will be held, and of course the trusted horses will be put through their paces with some talented people at the reins as the plough scores its way through the fertile Corcloghan soil.

 

Family day out

No one will go hungry in the fresh country air as varied refreshments will be served to all comers.

Featuring bouncing castles, trade stands, car boot sale, dog show and of course the 'most appropriately dressed lady and gent' it promises to be a wonderful day out for all the family.
Jim Vogan, director of Cavan Ploughing Championships says there will be lots of visiting competitors from other counties including Kildare and Carlow. Visitors are also expected from the western counties and from the North.

Ploughing will conclude at approximately 4pm and then it's over the judges from Offaly, Monaghan and Louth as they cast their expert eyes over the furrows ploughed by the competitors. Results should filter through at around 5.30pm.

The farm of George and Elaine Fannin, in the townland of Corcloghan, will host the popular event.

The couple are really looking forward to hosting the ploughing event, the proceeds of which, they are delighted to report, will be kindly donated to St Christopher's Hospice in Cavan Town.

“The field here belonged to an uncle of mine and he received very good care in the Hospice before he passed away,” said George.

“We are definitely looking forward to the day,” added Elaine Fannin, “and we will have great memories – we wish all the competitors the best of luck on the day”.

Local signposting will be in operation for the event which will commence at 11.30am.