Mullahead Ploughing Match heads to Gilford

THIS year’s Mullahead Ploughing Match will take place on Saturday February 26 at its now traditional venue, Richardson’s Estate on the outskirts of Gilford.

The event will be supported by Craigavon, Armagh and Banbridge Councils, with TESCO in tandem with myriad local food businesses sponsoring the now famous Horse Ploughing Championships.

This year marks the 97th Ploughing Match to be hosted by the Mullahead Society. And as this year’s chairman Kenny Gracey pointed out, the event represents a day out for all the family in the countryside.

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Speaking at this year’s launch, Tesco’s Cliff Kells confirmed that 2011 represents the supermarket’s 12th successive year of association with the event.

“Mullahead Ploughing Match continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.

“And to reflect these developments our marquee, which hosts product displays by TESCO and all the other participating food companies, will be a buzz of activity.”

Mullahead secretary William McCracken confirmed that a tremendous entry has again ben secured for year’s horse ploughing championships.

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“Every region of the British Isles will be represented,” he said.

“In addition we have an equally buoyant entry, covering all the tractor classes. We traditionally host specific competitions for Massey Ferguson, International and Fordson and David Brown enthusiasts. A particular highlight this year will be the All-Ireland Ferguson Ploughing Competition.”

Another popular attraction on the day will be the tractor pulling events. And again, it really is a case of this unique attraction getting bigger and better.

“This year’s event again takes on a truly international flavour with a world class sled team from Holland taking part for the second successive time,” Kenny Gracey added.

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“Mullahead is now a highlight of the year for tractor pulling enthusiasts and we are expecting large crowds from all over Ireland coming along to enjoy this unique spectacle.

“Mullahead really is a day out for all the family. This is further exemplified by the range of toy and replica tractors made available by machinery dealers from across Northern Ireland. They are what every child dreams of owning and will feature as prizes for a series of draws taking place on the day.

“Mullahead Ploughing Match ranks as the largest event of its kind taking place anywhere in the world. There is nothing else like it taking place on the island of Ireland. I can’t guarantee the weather on the day but I can confidently predict that everyone making their way to Mullahead on February 26 will enjoy themselves immensely.”