Fire met steam in Moynalty this August as Forged in Ireland returned to the Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival for a weekend that was loud, competitive and unforgettable. Surrounded by working vintage machinery and record festival crowds, the focus was simple: who could forge the best - and strongest - set of three chain links?
Throughout the weekend, smiths worked at open forges shaping, scarfing and closing links by hand, each competitor producing a three-link chain that would later face the ultimate test. Precision mattered. Clean welds mattered. Heat control mattered. But in the end, only one thing truly counted - strength.
When the time came, the chains were fastened between two magnificent steam engines. As pressure built and the engines strained, the crowd gathered to see which links would hold and which would yield. It was a spectacular blend of traditional craft and raw mechanical power, a fitting test of honour for Forged in Ireland.
The order of the chains that lasted longest under the pull of steam was:
- James O’Connor
- Jamie Smith (Drunk Chain)
- Oisín Feery
- Rob 'Shady' O’Grady
- James O’Connor (Drunk Chain)
- Eoin Mc Donagh
- Junior Smiths (Emily, Bella, Tara)
- Joe O’Grady
- Paul Carty
- Chris Ballet
- Charlie King
Every single chain that stepped up to the engines was an achievement. Even to come last against the relentless pull of steam power is no small feat - it takes courage to forge your work in public and let it be tested so definitively.
This statement does, however, come with one small and entirely deserved exception: the 'drunk chains' forged by Jamie and James late at night after the campfire - accompanied by songs, questionable decision-making and generous refreshments - which, against all reasonable expectation, performed remarkably well. Proof, perhaps, that muscle memory is stronger than moderation.
A special thanks goes to the drivers of the two beautiful steam engines who brought power, patience and professionalism to the test.
Moynalty itself is an enormous event, exceptionally well run and steeped in heritage. Our smiths were immersed in the sights and sounds of hundreds of working engines, full-scale exhibitionary dioramas demonstrating steam in action, a bustling market, vintage car displays and no shortage of excellent food. It is a festival that celebrates machinery, craft and community on a grand scale - and we were proud to have the sound of hammer on anvil echoing among it.
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