Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Pat Bolger is on course to set a new world record for marathon ploughing on a County Kildare farm.
Farmer Pat Bolger from Turnerstown, near Athy in County Kildare is on track to break the world record for nonstop ploughing which stands at just over 140 hours.
On 1 September 1980, Pat Bolger in a blue Ford tractor started his marathon plough on the farm of Nassau Green at Levitstown, near Athy in County Kildare. The event is part of a fund-raising campaign by Athy Lions Club for a new youth centre in the town.
The rules for the world record breaking attempt allow a five minute break for every hour ploughed to accumulate. By the time Pat had ploughed for 120 hours, he had rested for 7 hours.
I feel good, regards the amount of sleep, I didn't have much sleep but I feel strong still, there’s a lot left in me still.
While the ploughing is monotonous, Pat has plenty of supporters to encourage him. His determination to succeed is perhaps spurred on by the fact that there is another man, John Shave of Norfolk, engaged in the same record attempt. However, Englishman started 47 hours behind Pat.
John Shave eventually bowed out of the record breaking bid after 149 hours. Pat ploughed on to become the new world record holder, calling a halt to proceedings at 181 hours.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 September 1980.
The reporter is Deirdre Purcell.
Pat Bolger is on course to set a new world record for marathon ploughing on a County Kildare farm.
Farmer Pat Bolger from Turnerstown, near Athy in County Kildare is on track to break the world record for nonstop ploughing which stands at just over 140 hours.
On 1 September 1980, Pat Bolger in a blue Ford tractor started his marathon plough on the farm of Nassau Green at Levitstown, near Athy in County Kildare. The event is part of a fund-raising campaign by Athy Lions Club for a new youth centre in the town.
The rules for the world record breaking attempt allow a five minute break for every hour ploughed to accumulate. By the time Pat had ploughed for 120 hours, he had rested for 7 hours.
I feel good, regards the amount of sleep, I didn't have much sleep but I feel strong still, there’s a lot left in me still.
While the ploughing is monotonous, Pat has plenty of supporters to encourage him. His determination to succeed is perhaps spurred on by the fact that there is another man, John Shave of Norfolk, engaged in the same record attempt. However, Englishman started 47 hours behind Pat.
John Shave eventually bowed out of the record breaking bid after 149 hours. Pat ploughed on to become the new world record holder, calling a halt to proceedings at 181 hours.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 September 1980.
The reporter is Deirdre Purcell.
