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Fintona District Ploughing Match, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, February 1849

Extracted from the Tyrone Constitution February 23 1849
Transcribed, Compiled and Submitted by
Len Swindley, Melbourne, Australia
len_swindley[at]hotmail.com

 

The ploughing match for the Fintona district of the Omagh, Strabane and Clogher Farming Society, took place on Tuesday last, in a field belonging to Mr. Robt. Guy, of Cornamuckla, near Dromore. At one o’clock, twelve well-equipped and well-horsed iron ploughs started, to plough each half a rood of old lea ground in two hours and a quarter. The lots were all completed within the time, and the ploughing was so well executed that it was only by the most minute measurement, according to the specified arrangements, that the judges were able to arrive at a decision. Four premiums and a medal were to be given, and had a gentleman obtained the first prize he would have received the medal only, but the prize having been obtained by a farmer he received both the medal and the first money premium.

The prizes were awarded as follows: Mr. Robert Anderson, of Brackagh, 1st prize, ploughman, Wm. Ramsay; Mr. James Buchanan, 2nd prize, ploughman, Patrick Sleavin; Mr. George Gibson, of Derrybard estate, 3rd prize, plough held by self; Mr. John Aiken, of Trillic, 4th prize, plough held by self.

The Judges were – Mr. Henry Richardson, of Rossfad; Mr. John Bryan, of Clogher; Mr. Robert McCay, of Killyfaddy.

There was a large concourse of people present, and great interest was excited by the proceedings.