The blacksmith, who is originally from Portsmouth in England, moved to Sneem, Co Kerry, 17 years ago after finishing his apprenticeship. “I came to Ireland on holidays in 1999 and moved in 2000,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal. There, he also farms 2.5ac organically for his own fruit and vegetable needs.

The modern ploughmen who are competing in the national championships are unlikely to ask Tom for assistance if they break down this week – yet the role of his trade was originally to “keep farmers and everyone else going with tools,” he said.

While mass production and electric welding threatened blacksmiths with extinction for a time, Tom says there is a renewed interest in what he makes. “People are getting tired of low quality. I guarantee my products for life,” he said.

He now works mostly for architectural commissions, making gates, railings and balconies. He also forges decorative items such as coat hooks, candlesticks and even key rings on sale at the Ploughing. He briefly worked as a farrier, but gave up that side of the trade: “I’m too tall. I’d break my back!”

Tom travelled to this week’s event with his own portable forge, complete with an anvil and bellows fire. “I love working with the bellows. There is no whir of electricity – just a relaxing sound,” he said. “And full control of the fire.”

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