Picture: Don MacMonagle
He might be older than Ireland but Michael O’Connor from Killarney is still full of energy and he continues to fulfil a hectic social schedule.
And he has been lined up to officially launch this year’s South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show which has been scheduled for Fleming’s Farm, Grenagh, Fossa for Sunday, September 11.
Despite his great age, Michael still drives and he remains an enthusiastic gardener, zipping around his garden on his drive-on mower every chance he gets.
And he attributes his long and healthy life to a love of the land and his only little bit of mini ploughing of his own.
“If you only dud a hole in your back garden today and filled it in tomorrow, you’re doing yourself a good turn,” he said.
Michael was also the star attraction at the official launch of this year’s show and he said he is really looking forward to the big day.
The ploughing event has already helped to generate in excess of €60,000 for local organisations and this year’s beneficiaries will be the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association, Down Syndrome Kerry, the Irish Pilgrimage Trust and the Kerry-Cork Health Link Bus.
It is organised by the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club and there will be several celebrities in attendance on the day, mingling with the thousands of people expected to flock to the venue on the main Killarney to Killorglin road.
The event will feature close on 200 trade stands, traditional and modern method ploughing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, sheep shearing competitions, harvesting demos, machinery showcases and traditional farm practice exhibitions – and that’s only for starters.
There will be two fashion shows on the day with sensational prizes on offer for the most stylish lady and the best dressed man.
Two fun zones with rollercoasters and a hugely popular Maze in the Maize will be on site to keep children – and the young at heart – amused and novelty sideshow events this year will include an all-breed dog show, baking competitions, a model farm show, a children’s baking competition and live bands to create a real party atmosphere.
Several food zones will be on site at this year’s South Kerry Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show and there will be activities and novelties on the day for people of all ages and interests, including vintage and classic vehicle displays, stationary engines, competitions for fabulous prizes and so much more.
One lucky person could win a wonderful vintage Ford Anglia and five-star luxury weekend breaks will also be up for grabs.
A major traffic management plan will be enforced with 60-acres of land set aside for free parking while the Ploughing Championships and Harvest Show will take place in an adjoining 60 acres of land owned by the Fleming family. The gates will open at 11.00am and patrons are advised to arrive early as there will be so much to see and do on the day.
Admission will be €10 for adults and €5 for students over 14 years of age and OAPs while under 14s will be admitted free of charge.