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.
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 very 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’ & ‘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 & 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 3 days, where a true ploughing master class will be on display.
All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year such as Fashion Shows, Meggers, Sheep Shearing, Hunt Chase, Fun Fair, Food Trail, Craft Demonstrations, Pony Games, Live Music and Dancing, Vintage Ploughing, Threshing, Fun Fair, Loy Digging, with celebrities and well known faces everywhere this year’s ‘Ploughing’ is not to be missed.