Category: News 2024

Great excitement as only days to go until ‘Ploughing’.

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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.

 

The Ploughing & FBD: Keeping You Safe wristband initiative set to return again due to its huge success in previous years.

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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

Rep. of Ireland team triumph once again at the 69th World Ploughing Contest.

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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

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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.  

Kieran Comerford, Local Enterprise Offices and Head of the Local Enterprise Village, said; “This is an opportunity like no other for a small business in Ireland.  The opportunity to bring their ideas and products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other.  The Local Enterprise Village has become one of those areas everyone wants to drop into to find their local business and see what they can pick up.  

There is a huge variety of businesses highlighting the depth of sectors that the Local Enterprise Offices support from manufacturing to food and beverage, to software solutions.  Whatever you are interested in there is something for everyone at the Local Enterprise Village.”        

Kildare NPA Director John Dunne said “It is wonderful to see so many diverse & impressive businesses partaking in this year’s ‘Local Enterprise Village’ at the National Ploughing Championships taking place in Ratheniska, Co Laois on September 17th, 18th & 19th.  This is an ideal and unique opportunity for these companies to showcase their products & wares to over 250,000 visitors that Ploughing attracts.”

The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

LOCAL ENTERPRISE VILLAGE CLIENTS @ NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024

  • LEO Carlow – Enchanted Castle Melts – Hand poured soy wax melts & candles in a variety of scents, and also produce cosmetically assessed bath & body products www.enchanted-castle-melts.com 
  • LEO Carlow – Skillet & Spice – Skillet & Spice specialises in the production of high-quality seasonings and sell a range of sesame-based seasonings called ‘Everything’. www.skilletandspice.ie 
  • LEO Cavan – Elena Brennan Jewellery – Handmade fine jewellery, designed and created in Co Cavan www.elenabrennan.com 
  • LEO Clare – Oir Tonics – Moss Boss Tonic is a carrageen moss based health tonic created to naturally support gut & immune health. www.oirtonics.com 
  • LEO Cork City – Natural Vet Company – Veterinary designed herbal and marine based
    Veterinary Supplement line for cats and dogs. www.naturalvetco.com 
  • LEO Cork North & West – TrustDish – TrustDish is the complete digital allergen management solution, for both food businesses in hospitality and allergen sufferers alike. www.trustdish.com 
  • LEO Donegal – Balcrete – Specialise in crafting pre-cast & polished concrete products that redefine the aesthetics and functionality of contemporary spaces. www.balcrete.com 
  • LEO Dublin City – Jennifer Rothwell Design – Fashion and Textiles, clothing accessories and Art. www.JenniferRothwell.com 
  • LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown – Chic Tote – Dedicated to crafting premium-quality canvas totes that embody style, sustainability, and endurance. www.chictote.com 
  • LEO Galway – Nuasan – Nuasan, is a Galway-based, natural body care brand focusing on total body wellness & recovery. www.Nuasan.com 
  • LEO Kilkenny – Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes – Make good luck gifts for all life occasions.  All created from genuine horse shoes, saved from landfill, and repurposed into keepsake gifts. www.BiddysGoodLuckHorseShoes.com 
  • LEO Leitrim – Leitrim Hill Creamery – Leitrim Hill Creamery foster connection between the land, the community, and tradition by creating artisanal dairy products that tell a story of people, a place, and a time. www.Leitrimhillcreamery.com 
  • LEO Limerick – Room Outdoors – Providing premium verandas, gardenrooms, bioclimatic and carports. www.roomoutdoors.ie 
  • LEO Longford – Cruach Design – Bespoke landscape and sculptural metalwork, made by the Kavanagh’s in Longford. www.cruachdesign.ie 
  • LEO Louth – Style Ignite Studio – A sustainable womenswear fashion brand selling knitwear and shirts made of 100% Organic Cotton.  The collection consists of cardigans, jumpers, tops, oversized shirts and twinsets. www.styleignitestudio.com 
  • LEO Mayo – Nutri Jellies – Moy Nutrition have developed the world’s 1st ever high-protein, low-sugar jelly sweets: Nutri Jellies. www.nutrijellies.com 
  • LEO Meath – Mimi Toys – Online toyshop for educational toys, games and puppets.  www.mimitoys.ie 
  • LEO Monaghan – TecWest – Produce chemical free fertilisers made from chicken manure as the main ingredient. Products sold and distributed through Garden centre, Nurseries, Hardware shops and Agri stores etc. www.tecwest.ie 
  • LEO Offaly – Network & Infrastructure Support – Specialise in a comprehensive range of IT services for businesses, organisations, schools, and homes throughout Ireland. www.nis.ie 
  • LEO Roscommon – The Best Free From –  Healthy Bake limited is a small Irish business, which creates all natural breads, cakes and baking mixes for people who can’t have the “ordinary”, who has special dietary needs or just want to enjoy a healthy alternative. www.thebestfreefrom.com 
  • LEO Sligo – Jako Ireland – Clothing, workwear, corporate wear and embroidery. www.Jako.ie 
  • LEO South Cork – Bluemotion CNC – CNC Machinery, Workshop Automation, Automation Systems, Process Automation, Industrial Control Systems. www.bluemotioncnc.com 
  • LEO South Dublin – Garnacha – Garnacha Salsas stands as a groundbreaking venture in Ireland, introducing the first-of-its-kind authentic Mexican salsas to the market. www.garnacha.ie 
  • LEO Tipperary – Elaine Heney Equestrian Author – Elaine Heney is an award-winning equestrian author based in Tipperary. She has written over 30 horse books, both for adults and children and has helped over 120,000+ horse owners in 113 countries to create better relationships with their horses. www.elaineheneybooks.com 
  • LEO Westmeath – Fore Distillery – Fore Distillery is a functioning distillery manufacturing craft Irish rums, poitín & has whiskey maturing. Fore Distillery also offers tours of the premises to the public. www.foredistillery.ie 
  • LEO Westmeath – TapiTag – TAPITAG manufacture award-winning Digital Business Cards and Proximity Marketing tags. TAPITAG’s solutions are used globally by over 30k users in 70 countries by leading corporate companies including AlB, Allianz, Deloitte, and UEFA. Our products are proudly made in and shipped from Athlone. www.tapitag.com 
  • LEO Wexford – Sully & Juno – Irelands only sensory friendly design house. www.SullyAndJuno.ie 
  • LEO Wicklow – JTM Energy – Design ESS system to reduce energy costs of 80% to 90% and also have 24/7 monitoring on all their units. www.jtmenergy.ie 
  • LEO Wicklow – Le Paysan – Le Paysan produce a range of 5 pâtés. www.LePaysan.ie 
  • LEO Wicklow – Olannmor – Olannmor, Irish for Big Wool, is all about knitting and weaving with natural materials. www.Olannmor.com