2000 NATIONAL PLOUGHING
CHAMPIONSHIPS

MACHINERY & LIVESTOCK EXHIBITION

September 26^th, 27^th & 28^th

BALLACOLLA,
ABBEYLEIX, CO. LAOIS

A Short History Lesson

Ploughing as a sport between neighbours has probably gone on for hundreds of years but it was in 1931 that the ultimate challenge was put to Kildare man J.J. Bergin, Athy, by his long time friend Denis Allen, Gorey, Co. Wexford when they argued which county had the best ploughmen.
The first inter county ploughing match was organised with 40 entries and the National Ploughing Association was born.
The first National Ploughing Championships held that year cost of £9 3s and 5 pence.

Today the NPA concept challenge remains the same but today over 300 competitors from 32 counties as well as international visitors take the ploughing challenge.

The following pages list winners of the different competitions over the years from 1931 to 1990.

Here are a selection of images from some Ploughing Contests over the years. Click on an image to enlarge it. Each has a short note describing the scene.