Bishop Deenihan prays for good weather for Ploughing Championships

This year’s National Ploughing Championships is the biggest National Ploughing Championships in the world, with an average of 300,000 visitors.

Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, who is attending the ‘Ploughing’, together with Bishop Pat Storey, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare, blessed the special event as it welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from across the island of Ireland and from abroad.

Commenting on this year’s major agricultural gathering, Bishop Deenihan said: "Especially during this Season of Creation, I extend my congratulations to all who have organised this event.

The Ploughing not only showcases the best of Irish farming and the invaluable contribution the agricultural sector makes to the fabric of our rural communities, it contributes greatly to the local and national economies while providing a meeting point where old friendships are renewed.

“It was wonderful to visit the ‘Vocations Ireland’ stand as it is a place of welcome, where those curious about religious life can hear real stories, ask questions, and explore the journey of vocation in a supportive environment.

The duty of fostering vocations falls on the whole Christian community and I encourage all to pray for vocations to the priesthood and to religious life.”

Bishop Deenihan continued: "For Ploughing 2025, I pray for good weather and that everyone enjoys the days ahead here in Screggan. I wish to thank President Michael D Higgins for his opening speech earlier, which was his last delivered at the Ploughing as Uachtarán na hÉireann.

Characteristically, President Higgins spoke eloquently and was inspiring in his call for justice and peace for the people of the Holy Land. I offer President Higgins and his wife Sabina my prayerful good wishes for health and happiness in the years ahead.”