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Great excitement as only days to go until ‘Ploughing’.
With less than two weeks until one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, preparations in Ratheniska, Co Laois are seriously taking shape as this green field in the middle of Ireland transforms into the bustling hub that will become #Ploughing2024 taking place on September 17th, 18th & 19th.
At today’s official launch, the media & special guests were given a sneak peek preview of what to expect as they were entertained by local performers from Laois while prize-winning animals, quality machines, fashion, horses & hounds were all on display.
Launching the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “The Championships not only provides a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural, but also brings 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 euro 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 be present with specialist sales advisors 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.
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.
The Ploughing & FBD: Keeping You Safe wristband initiative set to return again due to its huge success in previous years.
The Ploughing and FBD: Keeping You Safe child safety wristband project will be an important feature again at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, which will take place in Raheniska, Co Laois on September 17th, 18th & 19th. 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.
NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “We are delighted to be partnering up with FBD again on this excellent safety concept as all can now rest assured that loved ones will be returned safely in case they wander away in the crowds that visit Ploughing. With a huge number of attendees expected over the course of the 3 days these wristbands give reassurance and great peace-of-mind to all at the event and add immensely to visitor enjoyment experience.
A day at Ploughing is a brilliant family day with something of interest for all ages & tastes and children are particularly well catered for with a Playground, Baby Changing Areas, Fun Fair, Pony Games, Sporting Heroes, TV Stars, Sweet & Toy Stands and much more,” she added.
On behalf of the team at FBD, I am delighted to confirm we are continuing our longstanding relationship with the National Ploughing Association by supporting the child safety wristband initiative at the National Ploughing Championships again this year. Ensuring the safety and well-being of younger visitors is a top priority, and these wristbands have proven to be incredibly effective in helping to reunite children with their parents or loved ones, while providing peace of minds to families as they enjoy their day at ‘the Ploughing’. Our hope is that all children will wear the FBD wristbands and have a fun and safe day when they visit Ploughing 2024. Tomás Ó Midheach, CEO, FBD Insurance
All under 12s are free of charge once accompanied by an adult. To guarantee ticket availability on your day of choice please book online in advance www.npa.ie
County Ploughing Match Dates 2023 - 2024
Click below for a list of all upcoming qualifying ploughing matches.
Rep. of Ireland team triumph once again at the 69th World Ploughing Contest.
Congratulations are pouring in from all over the country and across the globe on this historic occasion as the Republic of Ireland Ploughing team had an outstanding performance to seize victory at the 69th World Ploughing Contest in Estonia.
Eamonn Tracey from Carlow was crowned Supreme World Ploughing Champion (his third in a row) in the Conventional Class & West Cork man Jer Coakley stormed to victory as Reversible World Ploughing Champion.
Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh said, “This is a fantastic win for both men, Irish Ploughing & Ireland as a whole. Since winning the nationals last year the competitors have been working hard on preparing for the worlds in Estonia and all their effort has paid off. They have done their country extremely proud. Congratulations and a very well done to both”
General Secretary of the World Ploughing Organisation, Anna Marie McHugh said “Ireland have always been highly respected internationally in terms of producing Ploughmen to compete on the world stage. Another great result for the country and Ireland’s global reputation as true Ploughing Masters in their field”.
The Republic of Ireland were coached this year by Wexford man Michael Roche. Also travelling with the contingent to the World Contest was Larry Bergin from South Tipperary as Judge. Proud sponsors of the Irish Team and delegation again this year are Kverneland.
Small businesses set to shine at the local enterprise village for this year’s Ploughing.
Over 30 small businesses from across the country will get the opportunity to showcase themselves to almost 300,000 visitors at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, County Laois.
The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will be located at the heart of this year’s National Ploughing Championships from the 17th to 19th September. It will showcase the best of Irish entrepreneurship featuring small businesses selling everything from Mexican salsa and chemical free fertilisers to high end fashion designers and sensory friendly clothing.
With some of the biggest companies in Ireland taking up residence at the Ploughing every year, the Local Enterprise Village continues to be a popular destination on the site for those looking to pick up something unique to bring home from some of the best small businesses in Ireland.
A selection of businesses from across the country helped launch the Local Enterprise Village for 2024 at Airfield Estate in Dublin. These included Leah Cleary of Fore Distillery, Dublin fashion designer Jennifer Rothwell, Anouk O’Connell of natural wool company Olanmor, Joanne Doyle of Enchanted Castle Melts in Carlow and Mildred Tang of canvas tote company Chic Tote.