Laois mammy proud as teen daughter wins title at National Ploughing Championships

A proud Mountmellick mammy is delighted with her teenage daughter who has just won the Senior Ladies Loy Digging at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska.

Chloe Daly, 18, from Kilbeggan is a daughter of Caroline Donoher Daly, and John Daly from Kilbeggan.

Chloe spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, firstly explaining what loy digging is.

“The loy is like a spade, you dig three furrows and you're marked on neatness, depth and the ins and outs, and you have to do it in a certain time.

“It's manually intensive. We don't have a farm, but we do grow vegetables at home. I was digging up the lawn before I came over.

“I've gone to the ploughing matches in every county. I won the Junior last year which qualified me to enter the Senior.

“I am the first to win two years in a row, in men or women, so that's a good accomplishment,” she said happily.

Chloe said her big sister Amy motivated her, as Amy won the All Ireland back in 2017.

“It's become a family tradition,” she said.

“I'm so proud of Chloe, she gives 100% from start to finish,” Caroline said.

She started 6th year a day after she won and wants to study teaching, will receive her trophy, medal and “a bit of money” when the National Ploughing Association hold their awards banquet in three weeks.