Cairn of Peace for the 67th World Ploughing Contest unveiled in Laois

The unveiling of the 67th World Ploughing Contest Cairn of Peace took place in Ratheniska last Friday morning, March 10.

The Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh, who unveiled the Cairn, said she was delighed to welcome everyone to the event.

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Thomasina Connell paid tribute to McKeon Stone who designed the Cairn and to Paddy Kent of Kent Stainless for the endless hours they had spent on the project and to Philip McVeigh of Laois County Council for his work on the base. She paid a special thanks to the local site and land owners who made the hosting of the World Ploughing in 2022 possible. Also thanked were all the local groups and organisations.

The Chairperson of the NPA Mick Mahon noted the presence on the morning of three World Ploughing Champions - Eamon Treacy, John Whelan and Martin Kehoe. He also highlighted the amount of work that had gone into the project.

The General Secretary of the World Ploughing Association Anne Marie McHugh said that the unveiling of the Cairn in Ratheniska was intentionally local and personal. “Today is about Ratheniska,” she said. “If there was any place the World Ploughing could happen, it was Ratheniska,” she stated.

She expressed thanks to al the locals, landowners, and to the members of Laois Ploughing who could be called on at any time.

She also thanked Niall Kavanagh of McKeon Stone, Paddy Kent of Kent Stainless and Philip McVeigh for their work. Pat Deegan and Pat Ramsbottom were also thanked for their work in putting the cairn in place.

“People will travel to see this Cairn,” she stated, noting that she herself had visited Cairns in other countries.

The Cairn of Peace was blessed by Monsignor John Byrne and Rev Alec Purser. 

The unveiling concluded with Ann O'Shea singing the National Anthem, accompanied by Gerry Dunne, piper.