Doohamlet Farming Community and their associates within the neighbouring area took a welcome break from the daily rigours of farm work to head off for an action packed day out of fun and relaxation. A bus load of men, women and children headed off bright and early to The 78th National Ploughing Championships held at Cardenton, Athy, Co Kildare on Tuesday September 22nd 2009.
This event has become one of the top farming attractions within Ireland and further a field and the trip offered the community from the greater Doohamlet area an opportunity to journey together and enjoy a wonderful day out in the company of their friends.
While the primary aim of the event focuses on the art and skill of ploughing using horses, vintage and more modern machinery, over 1,100 exhibitors and 740 trade stands offered a vast variety of goods and services. The older members of the Doohamlet Community took great pleasure in reminiscing in the farming techniques of yester year and this provided a talking point among the young and old in exploring the ever changing face of farming. The event provided a link with the past and a gateway to the future!
Doohamlet District Community Development Association was successful in receiving Peace III grant aid under a project entitled Doohamlet Community ALL Together Forever. The local Doohamlet I.F.A. branch are one of the Project Partners and decided to select this trip to the National Ploughing Championships as one of their events as it offered an opportunity to build positive relations at local level across the farming community and beyond. The event was enjoyed by all involved and Doohamlet I.F.A may consider organising a similar event in September 2010.
