It will be a duet of a different kind when Mick Flavin teams up with Longford’s Queen of the Plough, Cynthia Geelan from Newtownforbes, to plough with a team of horses, just as it was done on the Flavin family farm in the rare auld times.

This novel attraction is part of the celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Longford Ploughing Championships and Field Day, which takes place on Sunday, 13 April, at Cranleybeg, Edgeworthstown. Hosted by James and Harry Reynolds and family, the site is just two miles north off the N4.

The main sponsor is local food processing firm Green Farm Foods.

Country singer Mick is, of course, no stranger to the plough and the land. Farming is in his blood and the land is still the place he likes best for relaxing and rejuvenating.

“It’s a while now since I ploughed with a team of horses and I hope Cynthia and myself will be able to keep a straight line down the field – otherwise we might incur a few penalty points,” jokes Mick.

“The organisers put a huge amount of effort into the annual event and we hope it will be a big success for them. I’ll be singing a few songs as well during the afternoon.”

Together with the music, the big day also includes a trade fair, food fair, machinery and livestock exhibition, dog show, a children’s art competition and family activities, as well as the ploughing.

“Spectators are guaranteed excellent insights into our ploughing heritage,” says Cynthia Geelan who is also chairperson of the Ploughing Committee. “We will create a living museum of ploughing, stretching back to ancient times, as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations.

"Come along and see dozens of vintage tractors and ploughs in action, all restored to rally condition, and watch them compete to win a place in the National Ploughing Championships next September.”

Follow facebook.com/longfordploughing and join Mick Flavin and Green Farm Foods for tasty savories from their range of locally produced food at Longford Ploughing. CL