Vintage corn-cutting event marks launch of second annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club will host the second annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival which will take place on Sunday, September 21 next
Members of Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club took part in a corn-cutting event on Saturday last.
The corn-cutting marked the launch of the club’s second annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival which will take place on Sunday, September 21 next.
There were four types of cutting equipment used in harvesting the crop; Mr Eamon Brennan, Lecarrow, gave a demonstration of how oats was cut with a hook in days of old, there was also a scythe used, which was a step up from the hook.
The next item used was a horse mower which cut and gathered the crop into bundles for tying.
The next machine used was the reaper and binder, operated by Tim Nolan and Noel Kearney.
This machine took all the drudgery out of harvesting crops before the invention of the combine harvesters. The oats was cut for a threshing demonstration that will take place at the upcoming harvest festival.
When the job was complete all the workers gathered around for a welcome feed of tea, sandwiches and apple tart.
The event took place in Newtownflanigan near the shores of Lough Ree. Watch this space in the coming weeks for more news on the harvest festival.