The National Ploughing Association community were deeply saddened on Sunday last to learn of the tragic, sudden death of one of our young East Cork Ploughmen.
William (Billy) O’Connell was an aspiring young ploughman with huge potential who died way too young. Billy competed in the National Ploughing Championships in 2022 and again in 2024, when he was placed 6th in the Under-21 Ploughing Class (Senior Grade).
The O’Connell family have a long tradition with the National Ploughing Association, as Billy’s grandfather Andy managed the Competitor Assembly Area for well over 20 years, becoming a very well-known face to every competitor that ever ploughed in the nationals and only retired last year.
When Billy started to plough competitively, Andy was hugely proud and particularly so when Billy qualified for the Nationals.
On behalf of the National Ploughing Association and our members nationwide, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the O’Connell and Griffin families on the tragic death of Billy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his Dad Donal, mother Brigid, brother Ben, sister Emma and grandparents Andy and Joan.
May he rest in peace.