Carlow man Eamonn Tracey won first place for Ireland with an outstanding performance in the conventional class. Neighbouring Co Wexford man, John Whelan, secured a silver victory in the reversible class.

Eamonn has represented Ireland at an international level 10 times, while John has competed in the World Ploughing Contest seven times. Both men have been previous world champion ploughing winners in their respective classes.

“This is a fantastic win for both men and Irish ploughing as a whole,” said National Ploughing Association managing director Anna May McHugh. “Since winning the nationals last year to qualify to compete in the World Ploughing Contest, the men have been working extremely hard preparing and now all their efforts have paid off. They have made their country extremely proud. Congratulations and a very well done to them both and all of their families.''

“Ireland has always been highly respected in terms of producing ploughmen to compete on the world stage,” said Anna Marie McHugh. “However, Eamonn and John are held in particularly high esteem not only in Ireland but across the international ploughing community. Given the high level of competition in Denmark throughout the contest, this is another great result for both men and further enhances their reputation as masters in their field.''

The Irish team, sponsored by Kverneland, was coached by Joe Slattery from north Tipperary and joined by judge Brian Mahon from Offaly.