Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh
Chorus
When it comes now to ploughing, Johnny Traceys no cod.
Since the age of thirteen he’s been turning the sod.
Its now fifty years since he first did compete.
He’s still turning over the sod nice and neat.
His first ploughing match, he remembers it still.
At the foot of Mount Leinster, in a place called Sprawhill.
With the Grand Ford’s some tractor and an aul drag plough.
A great combination, that ye seldom see now.
Chorus
When it comes now to ploughing, Johnny Traceys no cod.
Since the age of thirteen he’s been turning the sod.
Its now fifty years since he first did compete.
He’s still turning over the sod nice and neat.
His first all Ireland, he ploughed in Tramore.
He little knew then, there’d be many more.
An all Ireland champion, so many times now.
There’s no doubt about it, he’s a great man ta plough.
Chorus
When it comes now to ploughing, Johnny Traceys no cod.
Since the age of thirteen he’s been turning the sod.
It’s now fifty years since he first did compete.
He’s still turning over the sod nice and neat.
Eight times he has ploughed in the world championship.
Representing auld Ireland with great ploughman ship.
Five hundred matches since he ploughed Spawhill.
A quare lotta ploughing and he’s ploughing away still.
Chorus
When it comes now to ploughing, Johnny Traceys no cod.
Since the age of thirteen he’s been turning the sod.
It’s now fifty years since he first did compete.
He’s still turning over the sod nice and neat.
About the Song,…..The Johnny Tracey Song.
Johnny Tracey Ploughing Champion of Garryhill, Co. Carlow has competed since 1955.
Senior Tractor Champion 1973, 1977, 1983, 1985. 3 Furrow Tractor Champion 1975. Competed in eight World Championships and was runner-up in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1985 and Prague 2005.