Andrew overcomes illness and heads Stateside for ploughing event

Andrew overcomes illness and heads Stateside for ploughing event

28 August 2019

LISTOODER Ploughing Society’s Andrew Gill has battled back from serious illness to compete in the World Ploughing Contest in Minnesota this weekend.

Diagnosed with leukaemia 2016, Andrew spent two years undergoing treatment, but recovered to win the Northern Ireland title last year to qualify to compete at the world contest in the US.

Andrew will compete in the conventional world style class where he will be joined by Hillsborough’s James Coulter who will compete in the Reversible class.

Over 30 countries will be represented at the prestigious competition including the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. 

Andrew recently travelled to the US with his family and supporters to get in some practice and get used to the different soil conditions and climate. He also took time out to visiting popular tourist sights and learnt about local agriculture.

Earlier this month, Listooder Ploughing Society held an evening in Ballynahinch’s Primrose Bar and Restaurant and at the event Andrew spoke of his excitement at competing at the Minnesota event.

“It is an honour to represent my family, Listooder and my country at the World Contest this year,” he said. “I am only the third member from Listooder Ploughing Society to compete at the World Contest and am very much looking forward to the experience.”

Andrew has arranged to borrow a tractor and plough from Hailey Gruber, a young US competitor who competed at the World Contest last year. 

The local ploughing champ has spent the past year preparing and fundraising for the trip and is grateful to the many people who have supported him getting to America. He has also praised those who provided sponsorship, made 

donations and attended a fundraising barbecue.

“I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have got in touch to say that they will be cheering me on back home,” Andrew continued. “I am extremely grateful to the Gruber family for providing me with a tractor and plough to compete at the event.”

Throughout Andrew’s illness, he and his family have been supported by the local charity, Friends of the Cancer Centre which has been Listooder’s chosen charity for the past three years.

Listooder members recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to the charity, with the money raised during their annual ploughing match earlier this year. 

The charity’s fundraising manager, Claire Hogarth, thanked the Society and explained that for over 30 years, Friends of the Cancer Centre has been dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.  

She continued: “The charity is here to enhance the quality of patient care and support through our life-changing and life-saving work. We do this by funding additional nurses, supporting local research and providing practical support through projects such as our financial grants. “Friends of the Cancer Centre relies entirely on the generosity of the local community.  All money donated stays in Northern Ireland, directly benefitting patients and their families”

Listooder chairman Martin Gill, who is Andrew’s grandfather, described him as an “extremely dedicated ploughman.”

He continued: “We are all very proud of Andrew, especially given the personal battles he has overcome with his illness. Qualifying to represent Northern Ireland at the World Contest is a mark of his positive attitude and determination that we all admire.

“On behalf of our members at Listooder, we wish him a safe and enjoyable trip to the US and know he will be a tremendous ambassador for Northern Ireland.”

The World Championships will be officially launched at an opening ceremony this Friday morning followed by two-day contest, with the winners announced at a gala dinner on Sunday night.

As soon as Andrew has competed at the World Contest, there will be little time for him to rest on his laurels as he will travel back home to compete at the Northern Ireland Championships to defend his title.