10,000 to get the needle at plough comp

A RECORD 10,000 people will be screened for diabetes at this year’s National Ploughing Championship.

The push comes after the condition was detected in more than 600 visitors to the event in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, last year.

A team of 120 Lions and qualified nurses will be at the Lions Marquee at the Championships (Row 25, Stand 594) from September 19 to 21.

The free service will run from 8am to 6pm daily.

Last year 8.3% of those screened, mainly farmers, were identified as potentially diabetic and were referred to their GPS.