Numbers attending hit an all-time record high today with just over 124,500 passing through the gates of the Championships in Ratheniska. This is an increase of 34,500 on yesterday bringing the total attendance so far this week to 206,500. Speaking this evening, Ms Anna Marie McHugh said “We expected large crowds again today given the excellent weather and positive reports yesterday, however, I don’t think anyone would have predicted today’s attendance figure. The feedback from exhibitors so far is that business is extremely vibrant and those I spoke with said sales are already well ahead of their 3 day target figures. This is very positive for both rural Ireland and the wider economy.”
In the afternoon, the ever popular Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gent Competitions were hotly contented in the dedicated Fashion Tent. Lesley Ann Conlon from Athy beat off stiff competition from the ladies to take the top prize and secure a luxury holiday for two to Italy, which was kindly sponsored by Insight Vacations. The Most Appropriately Dressed Gent, sponsored by Louis Copeland & Sons and Wine Port Lodge, went to Peter Finnegan from Monaghan. He takes home a beautifully tailored suit by the award winning tailor and a weekend away in one of Ireland most famous luxury hotels.”
With clear blue skies throughout the day, shoppers and agricultural enthusiasts joined celebrities and politicians on the 25 kilometres of track way. Taking the opportunity to press the flesh, several Government Ministers, Party Leaders and elected representatives were manning their tents and pouring customary cups of tea. Some of the nationally recognisable political representatives today included Tánaiste Joan Burton TD., Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney T.D., Leader of Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin T.D., and Mairead McGuinness MEP.
With the sun shining down on all things Ploughing today, reports are that tomorrow is shaping up to be another action packed day at ‘Ireland’s Farming Festival’.
