Anna Marie McHugh: Co-ordinator of the World Ploughing Championships
When she looked in the bathroom mirror halfway through her debs night Anna Marie McHugh realised the perils of a big night that clashed with the biggest event in the family calendar. The fake tan she had applied to her back was several shades darker than it should have been. But as the debs that year was held the night after the National Ploughing Championships, there was nobody in the McHugh household to help her get ready.
Ever since she can remember, September has been hectic for the McHughs. "I never knew life without it. My mother's been involved since the 1950s."
Her mother, Anna May McHugh, is managing director of the National Ploughing Association and has been the driving force behind the National Ploughing Championships for decades. Anna Marie, the only daughter in the family, has followed her into the furrows. Until last year she was public relations officer for the event. This year she is sharing PR duties, as well as co-ordinating the World Ploughing Championship. Over the next seven days, more than 400 international delegates will mix sightseeing with ploughing practice, ready to descend on Grangeford in Tullow, Co Carlow, on Friday for the international competition.
"I should be ploughing, too. I qualified for my county. But there won't be any time this year to take part.
"It's been 10 years since we had the event on a Saturday so it'll be interesting to see the difference. A lot of people involved in farming are now part-time, so you're getting a growing urban attendance at the event." There is increasing emphasis on lifestyle exhibitors, and this year an international investment property stand will be present for the first time.
She doesn't see herself taking over from her mother any time soon. "She's one of those people I don't think could be replaced. Some people tell me I'm even tougher than she is. But I'm also in a different area of expertise." Catherine Cleary.
The World and National Ploughing Championships take place from next Wednesday to Saturday, September 30th.