Jamie Redknapp has praised the skill of Ireland’s farmers after spending the day at the National Ploughing Championships.
The former Liverpool star is in Ireland with the cast of the popular Sky TV show ‘A League of their Own.’
This morning, he joined Patrice Evra, Freddie Flintoff and Romesh Ranganathan at the 90th edition of the championships in Ratheniska County Laois this morning.
COVID restrictions meant that instead of the expected crowds of 250,000 people, attendance was limited to 1,000 people per day.
There are no trade exhibitions – just back to basics ploughing in the field and the ‘A League of Their Own’ stars filming an episode for their new season.
Here’s what Jamie Redknapp has been up to in Ireland 👇@HenryMcKean has been chatting to him @NPAIE for @TheHardShoulder pic.twitter.com/Y80oKXP7Aw
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 15, 2021
Speaking to Newstalk reporter Henry McKean, Redknapp said it was an “incredible experience.”
“It’s been a lot ploughing,” he said. “I have obviously heard about it - I have spent a lot of time in Ireland with lots of different experiences, playing golf down at Adare Manor and places like Ballybunion which is one of my favourite golf courses in the world - but to do something like this …
“Yesterday, we were roll-bowling down near Dingle and then to come here, it’s been so much fun and to see lots of people come out – obviously not the 100,000 who usually come here – it is just nice to get into the tradition of what people do. It has been an amazing time for us.”
Guys I hope you ready 🔥😅♥️🙏🏽 #manchester #london
If you wanna see me on my book tour come at @o2sbe and @the_lowry with @JoyconcertsTickets available on Friday 17th September, 10am - https://t.co/80YmCiSPcI#ilovethisgame #positive4evra pic.twitter.com/sm0RPrCXXH
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) September 15, 2021
He said he loved the experience but has no plans to become a full-time farmer.
“I grew up in Bournemouth on the south coast of England, so I have been lucky enough to live by the countryside all my life – but this is a real skill here and you have to have a tremendous amount of patience,” he said.
“I love being out in the fresh air, out in the open – I love Jeremy Clarkson’s new programme as well in terms of giving that whole new feel to what farming is so it is nice for people to see and obviously the traditions as well. People love it. They come from miles around to watch this and for us to take part it’s been a lot of fun.”
The crew was filming in West Kerry on Tuesday with Redknapp, Evra and Flintoff all keeping their fans up to date on their Irish adventure.
The episodes are expected to air next year.
Main image shows the ‘A League of Their Own’ stars meeting fans at the National Ploughing Championships. Image: Henry McKean/Newstalk
