88th National Ploughing Championships open in Carlow tomorrow

One of Europe’s largest outdoor events, the National Ploughing Championships, open in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow, tomorrow, Tuesday.

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh says: “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 is also serious international appeal with exhibitors, global buyers and visitors coming from far flung countries such as Turkey, the USA, UK, Uganda, Germany, India, Poland, Ghana, Belgium, New Zealand, France, Saudi Arabia, Lativa and the Netherlands making ‘Ploughing’ the perfect opportunity to show the very best of Ireland’s food, farming and culture,” she said.

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, with the opportunity to see these in action in the machinery demonstration area. The leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations. 

Visitors can take the opportunity to admire the marvellous quality livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.  This year will see the introduction of a new ‘Agritech’ pavilion which will include fascinating interactive demonstrations.

Green is indeed very much the theme of the day as sustainability is key at this year’s Championships with zero percent of the event’s waste going to landfill.

The NPA in partnership with Carlow County Council, the Southern Regional Waste Management Office and AES have agreed a segregated waste collection for the ‘Ploughing’.  Visitors will be presented with a three-bin system including; food waste (which will be converted into electricity by an anaerobic digester), mixed dry recyclables and general waste.

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 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 and Lifestyle villages the huge ‘Dome’ marquee with over 100 exhibitors is set to return and to meet demand a new similar indoor ‘Hub’ marquee has been created. 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 a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland bringing the number preparing to plough in Carlow to over 300 for the three days. This year the introduction of the new ‘Novice’ reversible class will attract more young people into the competition.

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, Motor Show.

Ireland AM (Virgin Media 1) will come live from the Aldi marquee from early tomorrow morning. In its second year at the ploughing, the winners of the ‘Grow with Aldi’ supplier development programme will be announced, Mike Denver and his band will take to the stage throughout the day, and chef Andrew Rudd will showcase Aldi’s award winning range during live cooking demos. The first semi-final of both the National Brown Bread Baking Competition and the National Junior Baking Competition will take place in the Baking Area.

Meath's entrants:

Intermediate Conventional Plough Class -  David Borland 
Intermediate Conventional Plough Class - Matt Duffy
Under 21 Conventional Plough Class Junior - Thomas Duffy
Novice Conventional Plough Class Intermediate - Emma Duffy
Vintage Single Furrow Pedestrian Tractor Class - Gavan Duffy
Vintage 2 Furrow Trailer Plough Class - Bruno McCormack
Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted Plough Class -  Oliver Smyth