The featured act in the celebrity ploughing on this occasion is Ciarán Rosney, who has just launched his new band on the dancing circuit. He will also sing a few songs on-stage. Ciarán follows in the footsteps of Nathan Carter, Johnny Brady, Cliona Hagan, Declan Nerney, Mick Flavin, TR Dallas, Brendan Shine and others who have embraced the challenge in Longford over the years.
The featured act in the celebrity ploughing on this occasion is Ciarán Rosney, who has just launched his new band on the dancing circuit.
He will also sing a few songs on-stage. Ciarán follows in the footsteps of Nathan Carter, Johnny Brady, Cliona Hagan, Declan Nerney, Mick Flavin, TR Dallas, Brendan Shine and others who have embraced the challenge in Longford over the years.
Not only that, but Ciarán will also feature in Operation Cultivation, when he will embrace the first step in food preparation and tackle the art of ploughing under the guidance of Longford’s ploughing mentors.
The Ramblers will bring their enjoyable music show to the venue and will entertain patrons throughout the afternoon, with some guest performers adding to the enjoyment and mirth of the occasion.
Last year’s event was held at Abbeyshrule and this time the organisers are looking forward to another big occasion at Carrickedmond, with some of the best ploughing competitors from all over Ireland.
Longford Ploughing has already received new vintage entries from competitors from Northern Ireland, who have never competed in Longford before.
The recent announcement by chair Cynthia Geelan, from Newtownforbes, of a prize fund of €1,000 for the senior open class is a tribute to the committee.
Keen ploughing enthusiasts have competed in Longford for decades now and this investment is sure to lift both the entries and the standards yet again this year.
A special day
Luke Casey, PRO of the Longford Ploughing Day, says they are all looking forward to a special day at Carrickedmond.
“People come back year after year for the ploughing and related activities. It is very much a family occasion, with some lovely entertainment, vintage exhibitions, trade stands, livestock, food fair and so much more.
“Dinky Diggers is a special treat being provided free to the children by Longford Ploughing. Children will have buckets of fun piloting miniature machines.
“The Precious Pets mobile farm is a fully interactive experience for all family members. Parents and children can enjoy rare species like Jacob sheep, Pigmy goat, Fallabella ponies, giant Flemish rabbits, Peruvian guinea pigs, a Bearded Dragon and many more. This is a new addition.
“Joe Joyce from Connemara, a man with a passion for shepherding sheep with his border collies, will give sheepdog demonstrations all day long.
"We also wish to thank our main sponsor, White’s Trailers, and all who are so supportive of our annual venture.”
The Longford Queen of the Plough Presentation Dance with Declan Nerney and his band takes place in the Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule on 14 April.
For further details, check out Longford Ploughing Association on Facebook. Read more
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