16.09.2014
Powerscourt Parishioner’s Ploughing Prowess Celebrated
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Irishman to win the World Ploughing Championship. Charlie Keegan, a parishioner of Powerscourt, took the honour in Vienna in 1964. He was welcomed home a hero at the time and the celebrations lasted for a week in and around the village of Enniskerry.
Charlie’s achievement was proudly remembered at the Powerscourt Ploughing Match, which took place on September 13 and has been going for over 100 years. It was held on the farm of John Leeson in Enniskerry and this year to mark the special anniversary there was an added attraction.
Recently Charlie’s grandson, Michael, discovered the tractor Charlie competed on and made a huge effort to have the tractor fully restored for the this year’s match. Five ploughing societies took part to celebrate the 50th anniversary and the tractor and plough of Charlie Keegan took pride of place.
As if by coincidence, the previous week Eamon Treacy who is also from this part of Ireland won the world championship in France and both he and the only other Irishman to win a world championship, Martin Kehoe who won in 1994, attended the local event and the golden plough trophy was on view.
Photo caption: The fully restored Deutz tractor and plough with L–R Harry Williams (President of Powerscourt Ploughing Association) Eamonn Tracy champion 2014, Michael Keegan & Martin Kehoe champion 1994.