First ever National Irish Tree Climbing competition proves to be a great success
7/7/2011 7:29 AM EST
Birr Castle in Co Offaly, Ireland was the stunning location for the first ever National Irish Tree Climbing competition which was held in tandem with the Woodland and Bio-Energy Show.
The competition was organised by the newly emerged Irish Tree Care Association, a group of highly committed Arborists practising tree care in Ireland, who wanted to demonstrate the skills needed to carry out works in a safe and competent manner.
Although Climbing Competitions have taken place throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and North America for many years, this was the first time an All-Ireland competition had been held, and it attracted some of the best climbers in Ireland, together with an equal number of novices competing for the first time.
The competition included five preliminary events; the Throwline, the Footlock, the Aerial Rescue, the Speed Climb and the Work Climb, with the highest placed competitors is each competition going through to a Master’s Final Event.
Taking part in the competition was Stephen Donaghy from Total Tree Care in Belfast. Stephen, a climber who has recovered from severe injury, took third place in the Work Climb and was also successfully secured third place in the Master’s Final.
Stephen Donaghy said: “The competition was a great way for Abortists from across Ireland to demonstrate their skills. For me personally, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the competition and hope to return next year to compete again.”
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries represents the trees and timber industry which is primarily involved in the establishment, care, maintenance and management of trees, woodlands and forests.
The industry currently employs approximately 400 people within NI, however, research has highlighted a need for replacement workers over the next 10 years. If you’re interested in finding out more about a career in the sector, information is available at
www.lantra.co.uk/careers.
The National Irish Tree Climbing Competition was a very well attended event, bringing together the many professional companies linked to the land-based industries and enthusiasts with a love of trees.
ENDS
ISSUED BY:
Lantra Press Office
Contact: Paula Smyth, Sales and Marketing Executive
Tel: 028 7963 1304 or email
EDITORS NOTES:
Follow Lantra on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/LantraSSC About Lantra
• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need.
• Lantra represents 16 industries: agricultural livestock and crops; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities.
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills.
• For more information see
www.lantra.co.uk.