Competitive ploughmen from neighbouring counties, Carlow and Wexford, were successful at the World Ploughing Contest in Einsiedel, Germany, at the weekend, with Ireland’s representatives, Eamonn Tracey and John Whelan winning first and second places, respectively.
Carlow’s Eamonn Tracey is the new World Ploughing Champion representing Ireland with an outstanding performance in the Conventional Class. While neighbouring county Wexford man, John Whelan also secured silver place victory in the Reversible Class.

John Whelan (Wexford) and Eamonn Treacy (Carlow) winners at the World Ploughing Championships in Germany. Pic; Courtesy of National Ploughing Association.

John Whelan was the new supreme world ploughing reversible champion in 2017, and he was given a hero’s welcome in his home village of Ballycullane.
John brought glory to his parish, county and country previously in 2013 when he first won the world title.
Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, Anna May McHugh said “this is a fantastic win for both men and Irish Ploughing as a whole. Since winning the nationals last year, the men have been working hard on preparing for the worlds in Germany and all their effort have paid off. They have done their country extremely proud. Congratulations and a very well done to both”
General Secretary of the World Ploughing Organisation, Anna Marie McHugh said “Ireland have always been highly respected internationally in terms of producing ploughmen to compete on the world stage. However, Eamonn and John in particular are held in extremely high esteem not only in Ireland but across the international ploughing community.”