In pictures: 42 women draw silage for charity world record attempt

A 42-woman silage crew mowed, raked and drew 30ac of silage on Saturday in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

An estimated 3,500 people travelled to Mount Melleray Abbey on Saturday to witness a 42-woman strong silage crew attempt to set a Guinness world record and raise funds and awareness for the society.

The attempt, which took place during the Mount Melleray community silage weekend, involved a crew of women recruited from Waterford, Tipperary, Cork, Limerick and as far as Wales.

Here’s a selection of images from the day, taken by photographer Donal O’Leary:

The 42 grass gals pictured at Mount Melleray before their silage showcase.

Sister Lily Scullion, farm manager at St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, Co Waterford, joined 41 other women drawing silage at Mount Melleray Abbey.

Josephine Peters brings in a load of silage.

Welsh woman and agri-contractor Dawn Cracknell is pictured on the loader for the world record attempt.

More than 3,500 people gathered to watch the grass gals in action.

The grass gals en route to the fields for their world record attempt.

Kathleen Denn, Cappoquin, Co Waterford, leads off the grass gals.

Kathleen Denn, Cappoquin, Co Waterford, is pictured driving one of the harvesters.

Contractor Dawn Cracknell travelled from Wales to take part in the event.

Maebh Beresford, Ballinroad, and Charlotte Connors, Affane, Co Waterford, were among the drivers drawing silage.

Local women Joan Dahill, Glencairn, and Aoife Landers, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, pictured at Mount Melleray Abbey before the event.

The crowd gathered to watch all the action.

The grass gals en route to the fields for their world record attempt

Sister Lily joins the Grass Gals all-female silage crew for charity

All-female silage crew to take on Guinness world record attempt

My farming week: Kathleen Denn, Bawnfaun, Cappoquin, Co Waterford

Farmer writes: 4,000ac of silage in the Wye Valley