There were great celebrations in Whiterath among the Mc Keown family when past-pupil Conor was crowned National Intermediate Novice ploughing champion at the National Ploughing Championships held in Tullamore recently. This follows years of practice and dedication by Conor as he honed his skills at home on the farm and at various ploughing competitions around Ireland. Conor showed off his lovely trophy to his old teachers and the pupils of St. Peter’s on Monday 9th October.
He follows in the footsteps of his proud Grandad, Pat, who won national titles on no fewer than four occasions – 1964, 1966 and 1967 and finally in 1999. Pat also represented Ireland at the World Championships of 1970 held in Denmark. Conor and Pat will shortly be going to Kenya in Africa to represent Ireland.
The Mc Keown family are steeped in the ploughing tradition with Conor’s uncles Enda and Eamonn also starring at national level. Incidentally Conor maintains another proud family tradition and is a fine cyclist. Conor and Pat are pictured with proud cousins and grandchildren.