The vintage display at Ploughing 2016 was impressive in terms of scale and space, with some working demonstrations that added to the scene. The Irish Vintage Society (IVS) and the Irish Vintage and Tractor Engine Society (IVETA) again joined forces to create an exhibit that included some new additions to a bigger stage that kept visitors interested.

The Friends of Ferguson display was especially impressive in terms of the range of tractors with implements on show. The lineup of 10 tractors, most of which had original Ferguson attachments fitted, was started with the 1939 Ferguson Brown and included some petrol, TVO and diesel Ferguson 20 models, along with some copper belly 35s. The overall display, coordinated by the Friends of Ferguson based in Wicklow, proved to be very informative.

It was great to see some local vintage and classic tractor enthusiasts join in the event. The recognition for the best presented tractor from what I saw would have to go to Alan Mitchell from nearby Blueball for his beautiful Fiat Someca 30B.

The quality of the paint finish to a detailed restoration project is impressive for a tractor that was probably not widely sold because of the fierce sales competition from David Brown, Massey Ferguson and Ford in the early 1960s.

It was good to see a midlands classic among the tractors and, in that, I mean the Muir Hill 171 with its powerful 171hp V8 Perkins engine. For a period right up to the early 1980s, the British-built Muir Hill range of equal size 4x4 tractors, based on Ford tractor designs, was imported into Ireland by Coens of Tullamore. Aidan Flaherty who was driving the tractor told me that there are still good numbers of Muir Hills in the Tullamore area, and some are in regular use over 30 years later.

Ivan Mullins from Ballinasloe had his vintage workshop display on show, which he first created for the Teagasc 1916 event in Athenry. The workshop depicts a standard garage with its range of tools and signs, from the 1950s. This was just one of a number of non-machinery vintage displays, which supported the vintage arena.

For many of those taking part, the distance to the camper and caravan parks at Screggan meant long walks, when there was ample space for the limited numbers of vintage participants in close proximity to the display area. I’m sure that this will be one issue, along with the overall positioning of what was an impressive display that will be part of the negotiations for next year, irrespective of whether the Ploughing stays at Tullamore or moves to a new site.

Fota Island working day

Fota Island Ford & Fordson Vintage Club is holding its annual working day at John Gleeson’s farm, The Curragh, Midleton on Sunday 2 October, weather permitting, according to Tony Doyle (087-2568261), one of the founders of the club. Owners of all tractors and implements are welcome to get involved.

The event will include an old-time threshing display and all tractors and implements from the area are welcome to attend.

Busy week at Ballyfin

It will be a busy week ahead for the members of the Ballyfin Vintage & Veteran Club who are holding their annual ploughing match in Ballyfin at 12pm on Sunday 2 October. The entry is €20 for each plot with visiting ploughmen welcome to take part.

Des White (087-2612408) of the club told the Irish Farmers Journal that on Saturday 8 October they will be hosting an annual cabaret night at the Deadman’s Inn, Ballyfin from 9pm.

Both events are being run to support charity.