Preparations in full swing for National Ploughing
Tomás Ó Midheach from FBD with NPA managing director, Anna May McHugh and local children Rachel and Sarah Kelly at the launch of the popular FBD: Keeping You Safe wristbands initiative for the National Ploughing Championships on this year's site in Ratheniska, Co Laois Photo: Alf Harvey
WITH a week to go for one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, preparations in Ratheniska, Co Laois are seriously taking shape as this green-field site in the middle of Ireland transforms into the bustling hub that will become Ploughing 2024.
The National Ploughing Championships take place from Tuesday to Thursday 17-19 September At the recent official launch, the media and special guests were given a sneak peek preview of what to expect, as they were entertained by local performers, while prize-winning animals, quality machines, fashion and horses and hounds were all on display.
“The 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,” said NPA managing director Anna May McHugh.
Millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery will be on display, featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment. The leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisers and technical experts available for free consultations. There has already been huge interest to enter the prestigious ‘Machine of the Year’ competition.
Visitors can take the opportunity to admire the marvellous quality livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.
Recently 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.
There is no doubt that the entrepreneurial spark is alive and well in Ireland, with an unprecedented number of diverse and exciting businesses exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Village at this year’s Ploughing Championships.
The popular Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena is set to make a welcome return with ground breaking technologies and cutting edge ideas that will amaze.
Given the immense popularity of the Food & Lifestyle villages, the huge 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, where a true ploughing masterclass will be on display.
All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year, such as fashion shows, meggars, sheep shearing, hunt chase, fun fair, food trail, craft demonstrations, pony games, live music and dancing, vintage ploughing, threshing, loy-digging, with celebrities and well-known faces everywhere, this year’s ploughing is not to be missed.
The Ploughing and FBD: Keeping You Safe child safety wristband project will be an important feature again at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Over 40,000 of the safety wristbands will be handed-out at all of the event entrances, which will allow for a contact phone number to be written on the band in case the wearer wanders off amidst the large gathering.
