Coolakay agricultural heritage centre in Wicklow plans to restore the Deutz tractor that Charlie Keegan who became the first person from Ireland to win the world ploughing championships in 1964, 60 years ago in Austria.
He ploughed on a Deutz D40L tractor and used a Kverneland Hydrein Special 2 furrow match plough. His prize was a Deutz D15 tractor.
He returned to a hero’s welcome. Charlie Keegan was carried shoulder-high with the Golden Plough, which he won at the championships, like a returning Olympic athlete.
To mark the 50th anniversary of his win and honour his legacy, his grandson Michael Keegan has taken on the task of restoring both the D15 and D40L tractors, as well as finding and restoring the Kverneland Hydrein Special plough, with plans to have it on display at the Powerscourt Car Show in 2025.
Charlie Keegan farmed in Enniskerry his whole life and traveled the world due to his skilled ploughing abilities.
He began competitive ploughing in 1947 and participated in competitions across Europe and Canada.
Charlie won the Irish championship in 1971 and remained active in the field until the 70s.
Despite giving up competitions, he remained involved in ploughing, serving as president of the National Ploughing Association and later becoming an adjudicator. He was recognised with a plaque and bench in Enniskerry for his achievements.
Visitors will be able to view the tractors and a range of farm implements and machinery from different eras showcasing the evolution of farming practices in Ireland at Coolakay agricultural heritage centre.
