Competing in the under-28 senior class at this year’s Ploughing is Monaghan native Paudi Deery, who has been competing for the last 12 years.
Ploughing runs deep through Paudi’s family – his father John is a veteran ploughman who started competing in 1970 and serves as chair of the National Ploughing Association.
His sister Joanne is also an elite competitor with six national titles to her name.
“We're stuck into it now, there is no getting out,” said Paudi.
“The ground is dried out a lot. We had very little rainfall these last few weeks, but when you go down in it, there is a bit of moisture there. Rain is on the way, it might change it up, it is a lot different from last year,” he added.
Competitive edge
Paudi drives a Ford 6610, four-wheel drive, "a compact wee tractor" and a Kverneland conventional plough with adapted boards.
“The main thing is to try and keep it neat and tidy and uniformed, and try and catch the eye. You have to be on your game straight away and keep it straight. You need all these wee things to make you stand out, which is easier said than done,” said Paudi.
Watch the full interview here:
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