Simms family leads Donegal cohort in National Ploughing Championships
17 Donegal entrants in 2026 National Ploughing Championships, including seven members of the Simms family
The National Ploughing Championships are underway in Offaly, with the Simms family from Milford dominating the Donegal contingent of ploughing competitors.
Over a dozen Donegal ploughers will be competing at Screggan, Tullamore, from September 15 to September 17, including seven members of the Simms family.
The National Ploughing Championships showcase the very best of rural and country living in Ireland, attracting thousands of visitors.
Competing on September 15 are Lee Simms in the Immediate Conventional Plough Class and Ellie Simms in the Under 21 Conventional Plough Class.
September 16 sees the biggest Donegal cohort, with 11 Donegal competitors. Gary and Matthew Simms compete in the Senior Conventional Plough Class, whilst Gerry Mallon and Oliver Peoples enter the Senior Loy Digging Competition.
More of the Simms family are in action, as Alan competes in the Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted Plough Class, and Mark in the Vintage Single Furrow Mounted Plough Class.
Tamzin Friel enters the Intermediate National Novice Conventional Plough Class, whilst there are a quartet of entrants in Loy Digging competitions.
Marion Boyce is on the list in the Ladies Loy Digging competition, whilst Cara Simms and Jennifer McKeague enter the Under 21 Ladies competition. Michael Boyle competes in the Under 21 Loy Digging championship.
Finally, September 17 sees four Donegal competitors, including Peter Buchanan and Donal Deeney in the Junior 3 Furrow Conventional Plough Class. Hugh Gillespie is in the field for the Standard 3&4 Furrow Reversible Plough Class, with the final competitor being Ivan Wilson in the Vintage Classic Plough Class.