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National Ploughing Championship 2024 Results
Sun beginning to set as such a successful ‘Ploughing’ draws to a close.
As the traffic flows from the car parks here this evening in Ratheniska, Co Laois the total attendance figure for the 93RD National Ploughing Championships came to a massive 244,000 over the 3 days, with a huge increase of 43,450 visitors when compared to last year. Exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves in the glorious weather with all that was on offer.
NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said, “The overall mood for this year’s Ploughing has been incredibly buoyant and positive. With so much for visitors to enjoy from quality livestock & serious machinery to fashion, celebrities, influencers and sports stars galore there was something for every member of the family to enjoy.”
The coveted 2024 Best Brown Bread Baker title went to Rose Egan from Offaly, she received a very generous cash prize of €5,000 and a state of the art NEFF oven. The competition was first a feature of the National Ploughing Championships in the early 1950s is sponsored by Euronics & run in conjunction with the ICA
The NPA would like to wish everyone a safe journey home and thank all for making this one of the most successful Championships of all time.
90,500 visitors attended day 2 of the National Ploughing Championships
18/09/2024
Today 90,500 visitors passed through the gates of this year’s ‘Ploughing’ in Ratheniska, Co Laois. This brings the total attendance so far this week to 166,000 over the first two days. Speaking this evening, NPA Managing Director Ms Anna May McHugh said “We expected large crowds again today given the glorious weather & great feedback received yesterday.”
In the afternoon, the ever popular Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman Competitions were hotly contested in the dedicated Fashion Show Marquee. Anne O’Mahony from Tipperary, received the title of The Most Appropriately Dressed Lady, judged by former Miss Ireland winner, Holly Carpenter, sponsored by the Club Hotel at Goffs. Anne O’Mahony won an exclusive weekend at The Club at Goffs, including a four-course meal. Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman winner was Patrick O’Brien from Galway, judged by Irish influencer, Kieran Corrigan and sponsored by Shaws Department Store. Mr O’Brien won a 500 euro voucher for Shaws Department Stores.
The final day of the 93rd National Ploughing Championships will be tomorrow. Everyone is eagerly anticipating all of tomorrow’s Ploughing action and the final of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition will take place. The winner will be crowned Ireland’s National Brown Bread Baker of the Year 2024.
#Ploughing2024 roars into life as the sun beams down on the site in Ratheniska.
Spirits were high as visitors poured on to the site from early morning and the day did not disappoint as there were a huge number of 75,500 attendees. This represents an increase of 9,250 on last year’s figure of 66,250.
With clear blue skies throughout the day, shoppers and agricultural enthusiasts joined celebrities and politicians to experience a great day out for all the family.
From farming to fashion, artisan foods to top-of-the range machinery & quality livestock all of the best of what Ireland has to offer was on display today for people of all interests to enjoy.
The highly anticipated prestigious Machine of the Year competition result was announced with congratulations going to the family run RT Sales Ltd, an innovative leader in the hedge cutting industry. The judges were extremely impressed with the strength of the entries in in this highly competitive contest.
Speaking at the end of Day One, Ms Anna May McHugh said “We are extremely pleased with the fantastic turnout today. The traffic flowed with ease thanks to the guard’s fantastic traffic management and visitor co-operation. Everywhere you looked people were smiling and enjoying themselves at a whole array of activities.”
President Michael D. Higgins officially launched the event paying tribute to Ms Anna May McHugh, the Gardaí, Laois County Council and the hundreds of volunteers and staff that are required to stage the event.
Tomorrow’s action-packed day includes Fashion Shows, Celebrity cookery demonstrations, Machinery Demos and 300 sheep are due to take part in a sheep shearing competition. One of the highlights will be the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed’ Lady & Gentleman competitions judged by influencers Holly Carpenter and Kieran Corrigan.
With all that is happening on site tomorrow & wonderful weather forecast again Ratheniska, Co Laois is the place to be for Day 2 of the National Ploughing Championships.
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 2024 - 2025
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.