Sun shines for 125th anniversary

Sun shines for 125th anniversary

3 December 2014

IRELAND’S oldest ploughing society held its 125th anniversary match at Rademon estate near Crossgar on Saturday.

Listooder Ploughing Society took advantage of the fine weather to serve up ideal conditions to allow competitors display their skill and visitors to watch in comfort.

Rev. Mark Spratt, minister of Kilmore Presbyterian Church, opened the event with prayer before nearly 50 of Northern Ireland’s top competitors, men and women alike, competed in seven classes for horses and tractors.

In the championship classes, Allen McAnally, of Ballyboley Ploughing Society, William Gill and Lindsay Hanna, both members of Listooder Ploughing Society, took the coveted top places.

In the Vintage Intermediate Class, Marc Gamble, Ballynure Vintage Club, took first place. Harold Simms, Kilroot PS, won the Classic class, Jim Bergin, Larne, won the Novice class and Wesley Henry, Cookstown, won the Style and Appearance.

In the Young Farmers Fencing competition, supported by Loughwood, Ward and Boyd and sponsored by Danske Bank, Spa YFC took the top prize.

Listooder is recognised as the oldest ploughing society in Ireland and is famed throughout the world.

The first Listooder match took place on land owned by John McRobert in 1889, to resolve a dispute between farmers as to who was the best at applying their trade.

One hundred and twenty five years later, local enthusiasts travel the country to seek to plough the perfect plot.

The Gills and Hanna’s are only a couple of names associated with Listooder who have won multiple ploughing matches, several national competitions, competed at European level and even been crowned World Ploughing Champion.

Listooder Chairman, Martin Gill said Saturday has been a wonderful day, for the society.

“We are a small society with a great history and on behalf of our Committee we are grateful for the support we received that made our special anniversary match the success it was.

“It was poignant that we were able to return to the district where ploughing matches began 125 years ago and we owe a huge debt of 

gratitude to Mr and Mrs Frank Boyd for the use of their land at Rade-

mon.

“Also, the community got behind our efforts to celebrate our history, came along to watch the ploughing and Young Farmers fencing competitions, plus enjoy a demonstration of photos and memorabilia from previous matches.

“I want to thank Down District Council for their support plus our principle sponsor JL Engineering, along with the many individuals and companies whose support made this event possible.”

A special 125th anniversary dinner dance and prize distribution will be held at Ballynahinch Rugby Club on Friday, February 20.