Opening day of the National Ploughing Championships saw larger than anticipated numbers descending on the 800 acre site in Ratheniska, Co Laois with over 81,000 passing through the turnstiles. This represents an increase of just over 29,000 on last year’s figure of 52,000 for the same day. With good weather forecast and positive traffic reports, large visitor numbers are expected again tomorrow.
Prior to officially opening Ireland’s largest tradeshow and agricultural event, President Michael D. Higgins took to the trackway to meet several exhibitors before traveling out to the plots to witness the ever popular sport of competitive ploughing. Taking the time to meet some of Ireland’s most respected ploughmen, President Higgins witnessed first-hand the competitive spirit that has resulted in Ireland’s incredible successes of late on the world ploughing stage in Canada. Some of this success also appears to have rubbed off on the local Ploughmen of Laois with the county securing 2 first place winners, 3 second place winners and 1 ploughman taking a third placing; an all-round successful day for the county.
With crowds thronging the 22 kilometres of trackway, reports indicate that business on day one of the event was extremely successful for the 1400 exhibitors taking stands. Numerous exhibitors using the allure of celebrity figures, drew the attention of the visiting public; all eager to meet sporting legends such as Paul O’Connell, John “The Bull” Hayes, Alan Quinlan, Lar Corbett, Joe Canning, Pádraic Maher, Anthony Daly, Darren O’Neill and Mark Rohan, to name a few.
Speaking at the close of Day 1, Ms Anna May McHugh stated “The weather over the past few weeks has resulted in excellent ground conditions under foot, making it very pleasant for both exhibitor and visitor alike. However, the dry conditions have made it slightly more difficult for competitors from a ploughing perspective. This is something they will have to accommodate for over the coming days”. Referring to the large attendance numbers, Ms McHugh continued “We are delighted with the increased visitor number reported today. This is partially due to the staging of the event in a central location, fair weather and a well organised traffic management plan put in place by An Garda Síochána”.
Visitors to the National Ploughing Championships tomorrow can expect another action packed day for all the family with some of the highlights including the ever popular “Most Appropriately Dressed Lady” and “Most Appropriately Dressed Gent” competitions which are kindly sponsored by Wineport Lodge and Louis Copeland & Sons which takes place at 3pm in the Fashion Marquee. Those attending the Fashion Shows throughout the day are also encouraged to complete an entry form for the “Grand Audience Prize” which is a voucher to the value of €500 kindly sponsored by Thomas Cook Holidays. Also taking place tomorrow is the National Ploughing Championships “Tweetup”. All avid tweeters are welcome to attend this #Ploughing event in front of the Band Stand at 2pm.