The world record combine harvester spectacle that happened at Duleek in Co Meath on Saturday August 15th was a wonder to behold.
The world record attempt was in aid of charity and the entrants coughed up €1,000 per combine harvester to enter the event.
The whole event took place in the field belonging to Michael Lawlor – a main straw supplier to several compost companies in the mushroom sector. Michael has been cutting wheat straw on that field since 1985.
The logistics and organization behind the world record attempt was phenomenal – a lot of people gave up of their time and expertise to make sure the event came off successfully. In the end, it was 175 combine harvesters working together that sealed the record. Anyone who saw the coverage on the RTÉ news will appreciate the magnificent movement of machinery involved.
It was, without doubt, one of the finest agricultural spectacles of the summer and a real triumph for the organizers and participants, and for the charities that will benefit from the endeavour. Congratulations all round to all involved.
Approximately €300,000 was raised for charity at the event.
There were a few folk from the industry espied at the event too. One notable face was that of Martin Mallon, of IM Transport renown.
There was plenty for all comers to see and do on the day.
It was easily as entertaining an event as seeing Usain Bolt smash his own world record this month for the 100m sprint in Berlin at the World Athletics Championships.
