“It’s not as easy as it sounds,” said Mary Ann Nolan, one of the organisers of the All-Ireland Annual Hedgecutting Championships, which takes place this Sunday in Bennetsbridge, Co Kilkenny.
The 2nd All-Ireland Hedgecutting Championships is attempting to break the world record for the greatest number of tractor-mounted hedgecutters working together for five minutes.
To break the current record, 200 hedgecutters are needed.
The hedgecutting competition itself consists of competitors cutting a 20-metre plot of hedge in 10 minutes. They will be judged by representatives from Teagasc and Coillte on all aspects of hedgecutting including safety, clean cuts, picking a sapling to leave and overall smoothness of operation over the 10 minutes of cutting the hedge.
Organiser Nolan explained that there are also three other trials for competitors to take part in on the day.
Buzz Bar is “similar to a giant version of the kid’s game and the ring is attached to the head of the hedgecutter”. A Balancing Trial comprises off a hook attached to the head of the hedge cutter. Competitors here have to lift a bollard up about four feet and balance it on a block. Finally Toad in the Hole: “Again the head of the hedge cutter is used and they have to get a frog into a hole in the ground,” Nolan added.
Prizes on the day are significant with a top prize of a saw unit valued at €3,000. Other events on the day include a car show featuring vintage and modified cars and a tractor-pulling contest.
There will also be a wide range of attractions to suit everyone such as the rural craft tent, model tent, agricultural displays and demonstrations.
In addition, all monies raised on the day will be given to the Laura Lynn Foundation. Nolan explained: “We are so proud of the interest and support shown to The Hedge Cutting Association and The Laura Lynn Foundation. We hope we have catered for everyone so come along and be part of a great day out and witness a Guinness world-record attempt.”
Gates open 8am and competition starts 10.30am. There is ample parking adjacent to the event. For more information click here www.hca.ie.
Pictured: Last year’s All-Ireland Hedgecutting Championships
