Author: National Ploughing Association

Congratulations and well wishes are pouring in from all corners of Ireland with the announcement of the results over the weekend from the World Ploughing Contest in Baudette, Minnesota, USA.  Ireland’s representatives on the world stage, Mr Eamonn Tracey and Mr John Whelan both won silver place for Ireland at the World Ploughing Contest.  Carlow man Eamonn Tracey won silver place representing Ireland with an outstanding performance in the Conventional Class.  While neighbouring county Wexford man, John Whelan also secured silver place victory in the Reversible Class.

Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association Ms Anna May McHugh said “this is a fantastic win for both men and Irish Ploughing as a whole. Since winning the nationals last year, the men have been working hard on preparing for the worlds in the USA and all their effort have paid off.  They have done their Country extremely proud. Congratulations and a very well done to both”

General Secretary of the World Ploughing Organisation, Ms Anna Marie McHugh said “Ireland have always been highly respected internationally in terms of producing Ploughmen to compete on the world stage. However, Eamonn and John in particular are held in extremely high esteem not only in Ireland but across the international ploughing community. Another great result such as this for both men further adds to their global reputation as Masters in their field”.

The Republic of Ireland were coached this year by Doneagal man Matthew Simms. Also travelling with the contingent to America was DJ McHugh from Laois acting as Judge. Proud sponsors of the Irish Team and delegation again this year are Kverneland.

The Ploughing and FBD: Keeping You Safe child safety wristband initiative will be an important feature again at this year’s National Ploughing Championships following its tremendous success in previous years.  Over 40,000 white 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, FBD CEO Fiona Muldoon and local children launched this enterprise out on the site of this year’s Ploughing in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow taking place from September 17^th to 19^th.

“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 attend Ploughing.  With visitors of over 250,000 expected these wristbands give reassurance and great peace-of-mind to all attending the event and add immensely to visitor experience”, said NPA MD Anna May McHugh.

FBD CEO Fiona Muldoon said “FBD are delighted to continue our support for the ploughing 2019 wristband safety initiative. This popular initiative has being incredibly helpful to help protect our children at the largest event in the farming calendar should they stray or become separated from their parents or loved ones. We hope that all young visitors will wear the FBD wristbands and have a great, safe and fun day at Ploughing 2019.”

The Ploughing and FBD: Keeping You Safe child safety wristband initiative will be an important feature again at this yearÕs National Ploughing Championships following its tremendous success in previous years. Over 40,000 white wristbands will be handed-out at all of the event entrances, which allow for a contact phone number to be written on the band in case the wearer wanders off amidst the crowd. Carlow ploughing cousins with Fiona Muldoon, CEO of the FBD Group and Anna May McHugh, NPA managing director launched this enterprise on the site of this yearÕs Ploughing in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow taking place from September 17th to 19th.
Photograph: Alf Harvey.

A day at Ploughing is a brilliant family day with something of interest for all ages and tastes with children particularly well catered for with a Wheelchair Accessible Playground, Baby Changing Areas, Pony Games, over 1,000 Animals of all types,  Junior Baking Competitions, Amusements, HSI Young Handler Competition, Sporting Heroes, Family Friendly Fish Fun Zone, Sweet & Toy Stands and much more.

Tickets are now available online   HYPERLINK “https://www.npa.ie” www.npa.ie  or by phoning 059 8625125. Special student and group rates apply to pre-event orders and all children under 12 are free.

Following the success of last year’s partnership Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will again sponsor this year’s Best Dressed ‘Country Style’ ladies competition. The exclusive prize worth €7,000 includes a pair of return flights from Dublin to Abu Dhabi, a four-night stay in luxury 5-Star accommodation and two complimentary passes for the activities and attractions on Yas Island.

The fashionable competition will take place on Wednesday the 18th of September in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow. Throughout the day, undercover judges will be circulating throughout the site on the look-out for potential winners, so dress to impress!

If you are handed a finalist tag, please make sure to be at the Fashion Show marquee at 3.30pm for judging.

The specially featured Fashion Shows continue to be a key attraction at the National Ploughing Championships. With each show lasting over an hour, fashion followers will be treated to all the latest styles and designs of the coming season.

Shows take place daily at 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm with the Holman Lee Model Agency partnering with the NPA once again this year. Fashionista Celia Holman Lee will act as compere, with models taking to the catwalk to model all of the latest lines and designs.

Looking forward to this year’s event, NPA Managing Director, Anna May McHugh said “The NPA are delighted to continue this marvellous partnership with Etihad Airways and it is great opportunity for those who have made such a stylish effort to win this fantastic prize. We have a world of fashion at ‘Ploughing’ this year and as in previous years, it is a must attend event for those with sartorial interests.”