Ploughing on...
More than 300,000 expected at farming’s top event of the year
MORE than 300,000 people are set to flock to the National Ploughing Championships that start today.
Last year’s record attendance of 283,000 is expected to be shattered during the three-day event at Screggan, near Tullamore, Co Offaly. Last night, an army of workers were putting the finishing touches to the sprawling 700-acre site that has been transformed into “Glastonbury for farmers”. On a covered area spanning 100 acres there will be more than 1,700 exhibitors displaying everything from farm machinery to the latest ladies’ fashions. Organisers are expecting massive crowds to descend on the site and have provided a 400-acre car park and put in place an elaborate traffic management system. As well as being the social event of the year for the farming community, visitors are expected to spend up to €40million over the three days. Then of course there is the ploughing where more than 300 competitors will battle for trophies in more than 20 competitions. National Ploughing Association managing director Anna May Mchugh said the event provides a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural. The 83-year old, known as the Queen of the Ploughing, added: “Ticket sales are tremendous. The demand is huge. It’s not just a national stage for showcasing all things agriculture. “It attracts both rural and urban people. It’s a safe place in the heart of the Irish countryside.” The National Dairy Council has a massive programme of events planned and is bringing in some famous faces. Louis Walsh will be at its stand today fresh from filming the Judges’ Houses slot on X Factor. Model and presenter Vogue Williams will share her tips on how she stays in shape with healthy eating and exercise. TV’S Glenda Gilson will be on hand to help visitors keep up with the latest showbiz gossip. The NDC’S Foodie Heaven boasts a full demo kitchen with seating for the three days with Brian Mcdermott as its resident chef. With the weather predicted to be changeable, to beat the mud the organisers have put down 30 kilometres of trackway. There will be up to 1,000 live animals on show as well as many political beasts as all the parties will be sending representatives to meet the public. President Michael D Higgins will officially open the event today and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will also be there. There will be everything from livestock judging and sheep shearing to fashion shows and cookery demonstrations. There will also be a funfair for children. Organisers say the food courts will once again showcase the ever-growing variety of artisan goods being produced around the country. Now in its 86th year, the massive agricultural festival is Europe’s largest outdoor event.