August 25, 2017
Inventions at the Tullamore Show

There was a substantial prize fund of €2,500 for the Inventions Competition at this year’s Tullamore Show.  Judges were impressed with Jack Nagle (15) who won both the Inventions in Agriculture and Student Inventions categories for his Tractor Safe Lock idea. The Safe Lock automatically applies a tractors handbrake when the driver leaves the seat. As is often the case this invention came about because Jack’s grandfather was seriously injured when a tractor rolled over him because he had forgotten to apply to handbrake. After realising this type of accident is the cause of a large percentage of injuries and fatalities on Irish farms, Jack decided to try and do something about it.  Farm Safety remains in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and it is encouraging to see that the younger generation is focusing on safety related issues. Sponsors of the prize fund were, the Farming Independent, WR Shaw, Glenngorey Pumps Ltd.  Jack has also won the ABP Farming Award at this year’s BT Young Scientist Competition. Congratulations Jack from everyone in PAC Ireland.