National Ploughing

The National Ploughing Championships is one of Europe’s largest Outdoor Exhibitions and Agricultural Trade Shows and attracts on average 1,100 exhibitors and 189,000 visitors. Showcasing Irish Food, Farming and Culture this event incorporates all sectors of agriculture and rural living from the latest development in Agri. Machinery to a comprehensive showcase of Livestock Breeds, Animal Husbandry and Management, Motors, Forestry, Bio Energy, Business Management and Regulatory Bodies.

The 2013 National Ploughing Championships will take place on 24/25/26 September in Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co. Laoise.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie about the 2012 event, spokesperson for the National Ploughing Association, Anne Marie McHugh said ‘We’ll have a South-East enterprise village along with a mock up of a viking village. There will also be a ‘visit Wexford’ stand in addition to a New Ross business arcade. We’ve had an average of 180,000 visitors [per championships] over the last four to five years. If we have figures of 40-50,000 visitors a day this year we’ll be happy.”

Famous visitors to the 2012 event included: President Higgins; An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Minister for Agriculture, Marine; food expert Simon Coveney; the Northern Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O’Neill, in addition to famous sporting personalities such as Wexford camogie champion Una Leacy and Kerry Footballer Darran O’Sullivan, with Kilkenny hurler Eddie Brennan and Galway hurler Ollie Canning , plus Dublin footballer Bryan Cullen.

The 330-page visitors guide is printed to the highest possible specifications, and includes a site-map, important information, dates and times for its visitors, together with advice, rules and expert knowledge from the National Ploughing Association.