With just under two weeks to go to the staging of one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, preparations at the site in Ratheniska are well under way for this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Today, the national media were treated to an exciting preview of what to expect, as the event was officially launched on the Co. Laois site.
Launching the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “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”.
“Many visitors to the event take the three days out in late September to have a well-earned break from their daily working lives, particularly following one of the busiest times in the farming calendar, the harvest”.
“Returning annually, the event has been responsible for the forging of many lifelong friendships.”
Food, fashion and farming were the flare of the day as ploughing enthusiasts, public representatives including the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and photographic journalists got a flavour of all that “Ploughing” has to offer.
For Machinery addicts, the NPC trade arena goes unrivalled. All the top brands will be showcasing the latest makes and models on the market. Today guests along with some of Ireland’s top models took the opportunity to inspect the site and try out some of the tractors/machinery on site.
Motoring exhibits have increased by 20% this year and the International element is incredibly strong with countries from all over the world represented; exhibitors from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, France, Netherlands and USA; visiting delegations from China, Austria, Spain and South Africa, . There will also be several Ambassadors including the American Ambassador Kevin O’Malley and the French Ambassador Jean Pierre Thebault in attendance.
Several new dimensions will see a French Business Pavilion, a Young Innovator Bursary to a European trade fair and an International Business Centre in the Innovation Arena.
Education will also feature significantly at this year’s event with 17 colleges exhibiting between Ireland and the UK.
The Science Foundation of Ireland will run a variety of interactive science shows and workshops for event goers of all age groups for example Science magic shows, microscope workshops etc. These exciting shows and workshops are currently being developed by researchers in Science Foundation Ireland Funded Research Centres and will include walk in and bookable events.
Up to 200,000 visitors are expected to descend on the 800 acre site with over 1,500 stands.
This makes the 2015 National Ploughing Championships the biggest yet and one of the market leading Agriculture Trade Fairs worldwide.