Ploughing Championships are launched
NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh with world champion ploughmen Eamonn Tracey from Carlow and Jer Coakley from West Cork at the National Ploughing Championships launch on site at Ratheniska. Photos: Alf Harvey.
WITH less than two weeks to go to this year’s National Ploughing Championships, preparations are seriously underway in Ratheniska as the site is transformed into a bustling hub for the event on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 17-19 September.
At the official launch last week, the media and special guests were given a sneak preview of what to expect when they were entertained by local performers while prize-winning animals, quality machines, fashion, horses and hounds were all on display.
Launching the event, assistant managing director of the NPA Anna Marie McHugh said: “The Ploughing Championships not only provide a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural but also bring together people from all sectors of Irish society, both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living.”
There will be millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment.
The leading manufacturers and agents will also be present, with specialist sales advisers and technical experts available for free consultations.
Visitors can take the opportunity to admire the quality livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.
Recent crowned World Ploughing Champions Jer Coakley, West Cork and Eamonn Tracey, Carlow were greeted with great applause as they arrived adorned with medals and trophies.
This year, there will be an unprecedented number of diverse businesses exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Village, while the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena is set to make a very welcome return with ground-breaking technologies and cutting-edge ideas that will amaze.
Given the popularity of the Food and Lifestyle villages, the Dome and Hub marquees are set to return, creating the largest retail pop-up in the country.
The Ploughing is a haven for foodies, as all sectors of the food chain are represented, from producer to retailer, artisan foods, craft beers, celebrity chefs, cookery competitions and much more.
In the ploughing stakes, the addition of the European Vintage Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday is attracting participants and their followers from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Ireland and Germany.
A particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland, bringing the number preparing to plough in Laois to over 300 for the three days.
All of the favourite attractions are also set to return this year, such as fashion shows, meggers, sheep shearing, hunt chase, funfair, food trail, craft demonstrations, pony games, live music and dancing, vintage ploughing, threshing and loy digging. And with celebrities and well-known faces everywhere, this year’s Ploughing is not to be missed.
