Month: September 2022

NORTHERN IRELAND’S LEADING HOTEL CELEBRATES FIFTH BIRTHDAY

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Titanic Hotel Belfast, named Northern Ireland’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards every year since opening its doors in 2017, is celebrating its fifth birthday this month, and the longest serving staff member General Manager, Adrian McNally, is proud to have retained a quarter of the hotel’s original staff since day one.

Speaking about the multi-award winning hotel’s milestone birthday, Adrian said: “We have achieved incredible success despite the challenges the hospitality industry has faced in recent years. I am extremely proud of the team in delivering outstanding customer service and for working tirelessly to live up to Titanic Hotel Belfast’s leading hotel status every day. The fact that we have managed to retain 25% of the original workforce during some of the most challenging times for our industry in our lifetime is testament to the privilege of being part of the team at Titanic Hotel Belfast.

“I would also like to thank Harcourt Developments for their unwavering commitment to Titanic Hotel Belfast and for continuing to invest in our accommodation and public spaces, enabling us to provide visitors with a truly unique experience when visiting Titanic Quarter.”

There have been more than 174,000 guests waking up to a Titanic breakfast in the past five years and over 3,200 weddings and events hosted in the unique private heritage spaces including the surroundings of the Drawing Office where many of the world’s most famous ocean liners including RMS Titanic  were designed.

Over 82,000 guests have attended events and weddings, while thousands more have enjoyed the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage outlets every month.

The concierge team has hosted more than 3,500 Heritage Tours giving visitors a flavour of the history of this unique hotel which includes Thomas Andrews original private office, the decadent Presentation Room, where Lord Pirrie showcased Harland & Wolff’s latest designs for transatlantic passenger liners, and Charles Payne’s office, Managing Director of Harland & Wolff during Titanic’s launch.

Even with three lockdowns during the first five years of trading, revenue at the hotel has increased significantly year on year, and the hotel is now operating with revenue 19% above pre-pandemic levels for overseas visitors, business events, meetings, weddings, dining and overnight accommodation.

Adrian added: “We are all too aware that a hotel stay can be viewed as an indulgence and we are putting measures in place to save on energy consumption and food waste to keep costs down. This will enable us to continue to compete in the marketplace with a focus and commitment to offer our guests an unforgettable experience at Titanic Hotel Belfast.”

John Paul Doherty, Creative Director at Harcourt Developments, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the fifth birthday of Titanic Hotel Belfast, the jewel of the Maritime Mile. This historic and architecturally unique building was once the nerve centre of the largest shipyard in the world; a location steeped in history. The combined efforts of Harcourt Developments and the team at Titanic Hotel Belfast have created a unique hospitality experience – giving guests the chance to stay in one of the most historically important buildings in Northern Ireland; the very building where Titanic was designed and constructed just a few yards away. We feel we offer an emotionally rich and historically authentic experience unlike anything else in the world. The success of Titanic Hotel Belfast is due in multiple parts, not least from the wonderful service guests enjoy but also due to the curation of artworks and artefacts which are exhibited throughout the hotel. This includes the most recent addition in the Drawing Office Bar, of an original clock from SS Carpathia, the first ship to reach Titanic.”

To reserve a room at Titanic Hotel Belfast, please visit www.titanichotelbelfast.com and follow the hotel on at www.facebook.com/titanichotelbelfast; www.instagram.com/titanichotelbelfast; and www.twitter.com/titanichotelbel.

 

Songwriting Skills on Show At The Market Place

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Armagh’s Market Place Theatre is set for some serious songwriting skills when artists Katey Brooks and Anthony Toner take to the stage to showcase their enviable talents.

Katey Brooks is a rebellious artist who resists formula. The powerful songstress defies easy classification, with a sound blending folk, soul, blues and Americana. Her versatility has become one of her biggest assets when lending her voice to different genres and moods. A devastating song-writing talent she is simply ‘not to be missed’ [Time Out]. 

Her most recent album Revolute was released in 2019 to huge critical acclaim across the world including a ‘Best Album of the Year’ credit from music magazine Popdust. Brooks’ vocals have featured on records with Queen’s Brian May, The Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason and Paloma Faith. Katey Brooks will perform for one night only on Thursday 6 October. Tickets are priced £14 each.

Anthony Toner returns to The Market Place for an intimate evening of songs and stories, fresh from the release of two brand new albums in 2022. ‘Emperor’ is a completely acoustic collection, revisiting favourite songs from his back catalogue, including ‘Sailortown’, ‘The Road to Fivemiletown’, ‘Well Well Well’ and many more. New release, ‘The Book of Absolution’ continues where the hugely popular album ‘Ink’ left off, featuring personal songs full of insights about the human condition that never fail to strike a chord with listeners.

Between songs, Anthony always shares some hilarious and insightful stories from the road, and is also one of Northern Ireland’s finest guitarists. Anthony Toner will take to the stage on Saturday 8 October. Tickets are priced £15 each, and can be booked through the Box Office on 03300 561 025, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

 

Tourism NI Hosts Coach and Group Workshop

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Tourism NI recently hosted a Coach and Group Workshop in Derry~Londonderry. Twenty five coach and group operators from Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland held face to face sales appointments across two days and toured the local area on a familiarisation visit. 

Northern Ireland industry included three and four star hotels, visitor experiences, tour guiding associations and activity providers offering group visits as well as local Councils and regional tourism organisations.

Pictured at Brooke Hall are, l-r, Caroline Mulligan, Tourism Ireland, Janine Cuff, Albatross Group, David Gilliland, Brooke Hall & Estate, Nathalie Brohan, Classic Britain Hotels and Nikki Paterson, Tourism NI.

Pictured at Brooke Hall are, l-r, David Carton, Grand Tours, Karen Henderson, Visit Derry, Colin Wynne, Abbey Ireland & UK, Gwen Beveridge Tourism NI and Nikki Paterson, Tourism NI.

One World Festival Poetry Competition Returns For 2022

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In addition to the One World Festival returning this autumn, so too is the poetry competition, which sees young writers from across Northern Ireland submit their poetry in relation to the festival’s beliefs and motto.

The competition, open to all students aged 12-18 years old, aims to get young individuals thinking about important issues raised across the festival through their writing.

Poems submitted should revolve around this year’s theme of ‘Displacement, Migration, Movement’, which should consist of the movement of people and those displaced from their homes.

Siobhan Hanley, chair of CADA NI, said: “Seeing the major changes in how our global population is changing geographically in recent years due to conflict, famine, and climate change, we feel it is crucial to explore the issues and impacts, while also providing opportunities to create change.

As a coalition of aid and development agencies (CADA NI), we are proud to collaborate in presenting the One World Festival – a variety filled programme, including; talks and discussions, storytelling, music, documentaries and films, and much more.”

Submissions for the competition should be no longer than 250 words and only one entry is allowed per person, with entrants needing to have submitted their poems by 12 noon on September 23. 

Aside from sticking to the selected topic, poems can be written in any style and feature any techniques desired, enabling writers to have free reign over their creations. 

The winner will be gifted a £100 book voucher and be given the opportunity to read aloud their poem during the One World Festival flagship event on Thursday 13 October. Two runners up will also receive a £25 book voucher. 

The event features Belfast poet Niamh McNally who will hand out the award, as well as the likes of the Belfast Operatic Society and is free to attend.

For more information and to  download an application form, visit https://oneworldfestivalni.com/one-world-poetry-competition-2022 or email festival@cada-ni.org. 

Family Fun Day In Carrick Tomorrow To Support Children’s Hospice

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Following the success of the Children’s Hospice Big Elmer Trail throughout Belfast, Carrick based engineering firm Ryobi, one of the companies who sponsored an elephant, are hosting a family fun day on Saturday September 17 (tomorrow).

The event is being held at Carrickfergus Cricket Club, where the entertainment-filled afternoon is celebrating 21 years of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Open to Ryobi staff and all members of the public, the event takes place from 1pm-4pm, featuring a whole host of activities for the family to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, penalty shoot out, face painting, giant Jenga, Army climbing wall and much more.

Speaking ahead of the event Marco Emig, managing director at Ryobi said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to support the Northern Ireland Hospice with a family fun day.

“The event not only gives us an opportunity to raise funds for a very worthy cause but also gives us a chance to get out and about and meet with the local community and spend time in a relaxed setting with our staff and their friends and family.”

Also available on the day is a raffle, offering a variety of prizes to be won from donating businesses, ranging from a PS5 bundle to experience vouchers.

The raffle costs £2 per ballot, with all proceeds going directly towards NI Children’s Hospice as a continuation of the Big Elmer Trail.

Tickets for the raffle are available until the end of Friday September 16 and can be bought from in the materials office on both the main and Kilroot site.

There are plenty of fantastic prizes to be won and fun to be had across the afternoon for everyone in attendance.

The four-hour long event will see special appearances from Paw Patrol characters and a police landrover and motorbike for the children to enjoy.

Ticket prices cover entry to all activities aside from the raffle are £5 per adult, £3 per child or £12 for a family ticket.

One World Festival Returns For 2022

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CADA NI members and L-R are: Pauline Ross, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Emma Hassard, Concern worldwide and Deputy Chair for CADA NI, Rob Brannie, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Jan Lindsay, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Niall McConkey, Habitat for Humanity Restore.

One World Festival returns this October with its diverse line-up increasing awareness about the Global South, promoting understanding of issues that affect the lives of the poorest people and inspiring action in our communities towards a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

This year’s theme is ‘Displacement, Migration, Movement’, with the festival holding a whole host of talks, films, music, spoken poetry, exhibitions and more on the topic.

Taking place from October 10-14, the festival will showcase a unique festival experience centred around sustainability and work towards a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

2022’s festival sees a hybrid of in-person and virtual events, most of which are free to attend. Activities include a variety of workshops, discussions and family fun sessions, ranging from topics such as the climate crisis and the global economy. 

Siobhan Hanley, chair of CADA NI, explained: “One World Festival is back with a focus on Displacement, Migration and Movement in our 2022 events. Seeing the major changes in how our global population is changing geographically in recent years due to conflict, famine, and climate change, we feel it is crucial to explore the issues and impacts, while also providing opportunities to create change.

“As a coalition of aid and development agencies (CADA NI), we are proud to collaborate in presenting the One World Festival – a variety filled programme, including; talks and discussions, storytelling, music, documentaries and films, and much more.”

Highlights from this year’s festival include the flagship event on Thursday night held both online and in-person at the Accidental Theatre, Belfast. Aptly named ‘One World on the Move’, the show will look at the movement of people through mediums such as poetry, dance and music, featuring the Belfast Operatic Society and Belfast poet Niamh McNally.

Siobhan said: “This year, One World Festival moves toward in person events again while also embracing the opportunities to include and connect with as many as possible through online events also. Our main event, One World on the Move seeks to connect in a hybrid format with the activity being held at the Accidental Theater in Belfast while also being broadcast online.”  

Also included on the night is the announcement of the winner of the One World Festival Poetry Competition 2022, the successful young poet will recite their poem on this year’s theme.

Other events featured in the line-up include ‘Threads For Corporate Justice’, a show of solidarity through textiles held at Ulster University, and ‘Home: Stories of the displaced’, a photo exhibition detailing a number of stories from those who were displaced but now have a safe place to call home. 

The festival will also bring interactive online events such as One World Quick Fire Debates!, a range of lively five minute quick fire debates on the most important issues facing us today and in person workshops like Nonviolent Struggle In The Global South which will explore nonviolence and nonviolent struggle in the Global South.

Spanning across five days, the festival works to increase awareness and understanding of the developing world and is organised by the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA NI), covering 19 overseas humanitarian charities who are based primarily in Northern Ireland.

Issues explored during the festival vary from climate change, modern slavery, gender equality, poverty and many more.

Encouraging people to take part in the festival, Siobhan said: “Join us at One World Festival 2022, either in person or online, to stand in solidarity with those for whom injustice, poverty, hunger and inequality are still a factor of daily life, both around the world and here at home.” 

For more information and to reserve tickets online go to oneworldfestivalni.com

School Summit Northern Ireland Will Help Pupils Focus on Career Options

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To help school leavers explore future opportunities and career pathways, the School Summit NI will welcome students from years 11 – 14 across Northern Ireland on October 3-4.  

The two-day careers and education event will take place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Balmoral Park in Lisburn, bringing together representatives from universities, industries and businesses from across the country. The Eikon Centre, Balmoral Park is conveniently located 15 minutes’ drive from Belfast and 85 minutes from Dublin.

The School Summit has been running successfully since 2017 in the Republic of Ireland with over 15,000 students having already attended the event.

The Inaugural School Summit NI took place in Autumn 2021 and will now be an annual event on the academic calendar.

Now in its second year in Northern Ireland, this annual event has turned into the top destination not only for pupils and teachers but also for universities, employers and businesses for exhibiting their courses, early careers and apprenticeships on offer along with networking opportunities for exhibitors and schools alike. 

Rachel Hanna, from Bell Media who organises the event, said: “A multitude and diverse range of exhibitors along with thousands of students from across Northern Ireland will be in attendance at the School Summit NI 2022 event.  It’s an excellent Summit for students to start thinking about their future steps and get an insight into various career options, apprenticeships and courses on offer.

“The event will have a variety of speakers this year to provide valuable experience and advice for all students, offering them the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries as career options.”

On both days, the event will run from 10:30am – 2pm, where participating exhibitors will have interactive stands with information leaflets and useful materials about their early career options, apprenticeships, further and tertiary opportunities and application procedures. Their representatives will be available to answer questions personally.  

Last year’s attendees have said that the event was both excellent, well organised, enjoyable and informative, providing access to useful information and resources. On their part, university & employer representatives have found the School Summit 2021 fulfilling as they enjoyed helping school leavers with their journeys into higher education & employment.

The School Summit NI is organised by Bell Media, a dynamic events and publishing company producing tailored high calibre events, magazines, event catalogues, reference guides and all kinds of printed and digital media to professional, commercial and membership organisations.

For booking and more information go to schoolsummit.co.uk or call Rachel on 00353 4451900. 

Northern Ireland Authors To Appear At Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival

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Author James Murphy who has just released his new book Dark Light. Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press

Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival is back with a bang from 4-9 October with a host of in person and online events, with some of crime fiction’s most wanted authors.

After two years online, Ireland’s celebration of the genre returns at a new venue, Dun Laoghaire’s stunning dlr LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre, just south of Dublin. 

Many events will still be live-streamed online, with several online-only events, including a masterclass with Peter James police adviser ex Chief Super Graham Bartlett, plus online interviews with US greats, Laura Lippman and Jean Hanff Korelitz.

With a significant contribution from Northern Ireland’s crime writing community led by international bestseller Steve Cavanagh, Brian McGilloway, Claire Allan, and James Murphy will feature in a blend of in conversation, panel events and readings.

James Murphy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be lending my support to the Crime Writing Festival this year. It’s a pleasure to be working alongside some of the finest crime writers in Northern Ireland.

“The festival is jam packed with a great lineup which is testament to the sterling work and dedication to the industry by author Sam Blake who is a regular contributor to my Crime Scene radio show and podcast on Belfast 247.”

Cultural historian and TV presenter, Lucy Worsley, will be discussing her latest biography of Agatha Christie while man of the moment, Mick Herron, talks to fellow crime author Declan Hughes about his latest novel, Bad Actors. Ann Cleeves will be discussing her latest Vera Stanhope mystery, while international bestseller Lisa Jewell will also headline. Award winners Vaseem Khan and Nadine Matheson will also be joining the cream of Irish crime writing talent including Catherine Ryan Howard, Andrea Mara, Edel Coffey and Sinead Crowley among those appearing on a range of hot-topic panels.  

From twists to hard boiled  courtroom drama, the festival promises to grip audiences as the plot unfolds across three days at Dun Laoghaire’s LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre or live online. 

Murder One is run by bestselling crime author Sam Blake, who together with festival director Bert Wright, has established Murder One on the Irish festival circuit.

Sam Blake said: “Murder One is supported this year by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Libraries as well as The Arts Council and Dublin City of Literature – it’s a festival all about readers and post pandemic, when reading became such an important distraction, we want to re-introduce you to the irreplaceable experience of live author events while retaining an online presence to widen access for those who find it difficult to attend festivals. We are thrilled that we can feature so many Irish authors from both North and South to create a unique Steve Cavanagh festival offering.”

All tickets can be booked, for in person and online. Visit www.murderone.ie for booking details or follow @MurderOneFest on Twitter.

Tourism Chief Highlights Potential in Mid and East Antrim

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Jason Powell, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Clare McKitterick, The Gobbins, John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI, Mayor Alderman Noel Williams, Laura Cowan, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Helen McGorman, Tourism Ireland.

Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen met with tourism representatives across Mid and East Antrim this week and visited a number of key attractions in the borough. He was joined by Tourism Ireland’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Northern Ireland, Helen McGorman.  

They both spoke to Council officials and industry about plans to further support tourism in the area.  The visit included the Andrew Jackson Cottage and the US Rangers Centre, a walking tour of Carrickfergus, the Whitehead Centre, an e-bike tour to scenic Blackhead Lighthouse as well as a tour of the Whitehead Railway Museum and the Gobbins Cliff Path.   

Commenting on his visit John McGrillen said;

“Mid and East Antrim offers significant growth opportunities in tourism and I was delighted to visit the borough and meet with so many inspiring people who are striving to realise the potential of the area”.

“The tourism led regeneration projects within the City and Growth Deal Programmes will have significant impact for Carrickfergus and The Gobbins as well as the wider Mid and East Antrim area and will help Northern Ireland to stand out internationally and remain competitive. In the meantime we must also continue to support smaller experiences which appeal to our core market segments and encourage more people to visit, stay longer and spend more”.  

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams said:

“As Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, I am delighted to welcome Tourism NI to our Borough and I’m very proud to highlight our wonderful businesses and attractions locally.  Council is committed to the ongoing expansion of businesses and today provided the opportunity for us to showcase our plans to support tourism going forward.  

“From the rugged Antrim Coast to Carrickfergus Castle to the beautiful villages and vibrant towns – Mid and East Antrim has something for all to enjoy.  Visitors can embrace our many open spaces and stunning scenery in places such as The Gobbins, Slemish, Portglenone Marina and Carnfunnock Country Park.  If Museums and arts is your thing, we have the fantastic Whitehead Railway Museum plus the historic US Rangers Centre.

“I urge everyone to come and see what our vibrant Borough has to offer – taking the scenic route of course!”

Helen McGorman, Tourism Ireland added; “I was delighted to visit some of the exciting tourism experiences in the Mid and East Antrim Borough and to hear about their plans for expansion. This area includes ‘must see’ attractions for overseas visitors to Northern Ireland, particularly those with an interest in history. The Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre, Blackhead Lighthouse, Whitehead Railway Museum and Gobbins Cliff Path tell stories of our rich history and are in close proximity to the beautiful County Antrim coastline. The Tourism Ireland teams around the world will be excited to learn more about these attractions.”

NI Ploughmen Scoop 6 Top Places In European Ploughing Championships

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From left Yves Thievon France 3rd; Dan Donnelly 1st ROI, Jer Coakley, 2nd ROI and Mart Bakker, Secretary of the European Ploughing Federation.

Northern Ireland ploughmen have scooped six top three placements in the recent European Ploughing Championships held at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly last weekend.

The competition included the European Reversible and Conventional Ploughing Championships, European Vintage Ploughing Championships and Horse Ploughing Competition with over 60 competitors arriving from throughout Europe.

Countries represented at the competition included Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland and Wales.

Irish competitor Dan Donnelly took first place in the European Reversible class whilst fellow Irishman Sean Keating secured first place for European Conventional class.

In the European Vintage Ploughing John Crowder was crowned the overall champion having also placed first for England in the Vintage Trail, Emlyn Jones took the top spot in Vintage Mounted for Wales, Alan Simms for Ireland was placed first in Classic Mounted, English ploughman Graham Sutton was awarded first place for Classic Reversible whilst Declan Ferris took Northern Ireland’s only first placed medal in the Horse Ploughing competition.

Other Northern Ireland ploughmen who were placed in the top three include Rodney Crawford (3rd, European Conventional), Dai Kennedy (3rd, Classic Mounted), Mercer Ward (3rd, Vintage Reversible) and Ben McLaughlin (2nd, Horse Ploughing) and Donal McAllister (3rd, Horse Ploughing competition).

The championships were hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA), the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

Adrian Jamison, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said: “We are delighted to have hosted the European Ploughing Championships in Northern Ireland this year, it was a pleasure to welcome our fellow ploughmen from across Europe to Ballykelly.

“Congratulations to all the ploughmen who were placed and a special congratulations to all the Northern Ireland competitors who did us proud.”

Ronnie Coulter, Chairman of the European Ploughing Association added: “We would like to thank everyone involved in Horse and Vintage classes which were a favourite of the spectators. 

“To the winners we give our congratulations and hope for a good turnout when the event is held in Holland in 2023. The qualifier for which will be held at the NI International in October.

“Special thanks to Kenneth Gracey and Victor Scott for their financial assistance to the Horse Championship.”

The Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships will be taking place Friday October 7 and Saturday October 8 at Lany Road in Moira. More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing

 

Results

 

European Reversible and Conventional Ploughing Championships

European Reversible Class

  • Dan Donnelly, Ireland, 1st
  • Jer Coakley, Ireland, 2nd
  • Yves Thievon, France, 3rd

 

European Conventional Class

  • Sean Keating, Ireland, 1st
  • Rhodri George, Wales, 2nd
  • Rodney Crawford, Northern Ireland, 3rd

 

European Vintage Ploughing Championships

Vintage Trail

  • John Crowder, England, 1st
  • John Woulfe, Ireland, 2nd
  • Douglas Stewart, Scotland, 3rd

 

Vintage Mounted

  • Emlyn Jones, Wales, 1st
  • Charlie Nicklin, England, 2nd
  • David Veitch, Scotland, 3rd

 

Classic Mounted

  • Alan Simms, Ireland, 1st
  • David Tomlinson, England, 2nd
  • Dai Kennedy, Northern Ireland, 3rd

 

Classic Reversible Parallel

  • Graham Sutton, England, 1st
  • Neil Ramsay, Scotland, 2nd
  • Fraser Millar, Scotland, 3rd

 

Vintage Reversible

  • Marius Jenniskens, Netherlands, 1st
  • Ben Buijs, Netherlands, 2nd
  • Mercer Ward, Northern Ireland, 3rd

 

Horse Ploughing Competition

  • Declan Ferris, Northern Ireland, 1st
  • Ben McLaughlin, Northern Ireland, 2nd
  • Donal McAllister, Northern Ireland, 3rd

 

More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing 

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