Moments from the National Ploughing Championships 2025
Applications open for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships
- Entries open until 1st May, with €10,000 prize for best start-up winner
- Opportunity for Irish agri innovators to participate in one of Europe’s largest outdoor events
- ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’ is the focus of this year’s exhibition and competition
20th February 2026: Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships.
Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena, hosted annually in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), is one of the most visited exhibitions at the National Ploughing Championships, and this year it will focus on ‘Helping Irish Agri Business Go Global’.
Irish innovators are synonymous with agriculture around the world, and have an established reputation for delivering pioneering and groundbreaking solutions for shared global challenges, such as animal health and nutrition, strengthening food security, and addressing sustainable practises.
Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start and scale, and to grow in global markets. The long-term ambition of our strategy, ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025-2029)’, is that Irish exporters, including agri innovators, will become the primary driver of the Irish economy.
The Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championship offers these innovators the opportunity to showcase their pioneering solutions to visitors, and to engage with customers and international buyers at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events.
With three categories in this year’s Innovation Arena competition, applications are now being invited from Irish-owned companies and innovators who are delivering future-focused solutions with the ability to deliver sustainable changes in the sector, by bringing new inn
ovative practises and efficiencies which can address costs and helping to secure global agriculture and food supply chains.
The ‘Start-Up Innovator of the Year’ award includes a €10,000 prize, as well as mentoring and specialist supports from Enterprise Ireland advisors. The ‘Green Impact Award’ is for a company whose solution is focused on driving sustainable progress in the sector and securing it for future generations, while the Enterprise Ireland ‘Innovation Arena Champion Award’ is for established companies with a focus on scaling and innovation, who are exploring new global opportunities.
Successful applicants will be offered an exhibition space within the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, which is returning to Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly from 15th to 17th September.
The live competition will also return to this year’s Innovation Arena, and nine finalists- three per category- will be selected to participate in a live pitching competition in front of a panel of judges and audience on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships.
Mark Christal, Executive Director for Sectoral and Client Solutions at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting pioneering Irish businesses to achieve sustainable growth and to create high-quality jobs across all regions, and this includes our agri innovators who have an established reputation as being global leaders in their field.
“Helping our innovative enterprise base to be more competitive, to increase productivity and to achieve their global ambitions not only contributes to the Irish economy, but it helps to build sustainable communities around the country. Our agri focused entrepreneurs are at the heart of that, by growing jobs in local communities, and delivering solutions which address a range of global challenges, including animal health and nutrition, strengthening food security and supply chains, and addressing sustainable and efficient practises.”
Applications are now being accepted for Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 Innovation Arena Awards competition.
Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director, said:
“The Innovation Arena remains an important feature of the National Ploughing Championships, highlighting Irish innovators who are making a positive impact both at home and abroad. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Enterprise Ireland for 2026. The Arena provides a valuable platform for Irish agritech businesses to showcase their solutions and connect with industry and international audiences.”
The Enterprise Ireland hosted ‘Agritech Hub’ exhibition space also returns to this year’s Innovation Arena, giving Irish agritech entrepreneurs the important opportunity to exhibit within the National Ploughing Championships, which last year attracted 225,500 visitors, including an Enterprise Ireland hosted delegation of international buyers who met with agri innovators and exhibitors in the Innovation Arena and across the site over the course of the three days.
James Maloney, Innovation Arena Project Manager, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena is an institution in the agritech calendar. It is now an established platform which fosters the development of agri focused innovations, and gives our entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to meet face to face with potential customers and key stakeholders at this renowned international event.”
To enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards, please visit: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/innovation-arena
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026.
95th National Ploughing Championships to Return to Screggan, Tullamore in 2026
The National Ploughing Championships will once again take place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, from September 15th to 17th, 2026, marking its second consecutive year at the popular venue.
The announcement was made at the annual Prize-Giving Banquet in Tullamore, where approximately 500 people gathered to celebrate this year’s competitors and winners.
Speaking at the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said:
“We are delighted to confirm that the National Ploughing Championships will return to Screggan in 2026. Feedback from this year’s event has been overwhelmingly positive, with huge enthusiasm for a return to Co. Offaly.
The site proved an excellent location due to its accessibility and central location and the economic impact for Offaly and surrounding counties was very significant.
Anna May also congratulated the competitors and especially the prize winners, highlighting the very high standard of competition across all classes this year.
“Every year it is inspiring to see the incredible talent and dedication from competitors of all ages. With over 350 participants across a wide variety of classes this year, the standard was exceptionally high. Congratulations to all the winners, and indeed to everyone who took part. Ploughing remains at the very heart of the Championships, and it is wonderful to see such skill and passion on display.”
Fields of Gold: A Triumphant End to the National Ploughing Championships 2025
62,000 Visitors Attended Day Three of the National Ploughing Championships
As tens of thousands embark on their journey home, we get a chance to reflect on what a successful week it has been here in Screggan, Tullamore, a truly unforgettable week. The total attendance figure for the 94th edition of The National Ploughing Championships came to an impressive 225,500.
This year proved to be a resounding success for both exhibitors and visitors, with John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, commenting “The National Ploughing Championship is always a highlight in our calendar and this year was no exception. The whole FBD Insurance team had a fantastic time at the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet and engage with our customers and the wider farming community. We are delighted to once again be part of such a special occasion that celebrates the very best of Irish Agriculture”
The National Brown Bread Baking competition final took place today, where we witnessed great excitement when Maureen Igoe from Bonniconlon, Co.Mayo, was announced as the winner, which saw her take home a very generous €5,000 and a state-of-the-art NEFF oven. The competition was first featured in the National Ploughing Championships in the early 1950s and is sponsored by Euronics & runs in conjunction with the ICA.
There was so much to enjoy today, from the welly throwing competition and horseshoe throwing, world-class livestock, to an incredible range of exhibitors showcasing everything from candles, food, and clothes to tractors and machinery.
The National Ploughing Association would like to wish everyone a safe journey home and thank you for making this year’s event one that will be remembered forever.
85,000 Visitors Attended Day Two of the National Ploughing Championships
Today, 85,000 visitors passed through the gates of this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, bringing the total attendance to 163,500 over the first two days.
Speaking this evening, NPA Managing Director Ms Anna May McHugh said:
“We had a fantastic turnout today, and we’re delighted the weather stayed on our side. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.”
One of the standout features on Day Two was the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, which drew strong attention. The schools’ competition gave secondary students the opportunity to rear Angus calves while gaining hands-on experience.
Another highlight of the day was the Irish Simmental National Calf Finals, a prestigious showcase of Ireland’s finest young pedigree Simmental cattle and the All-Ireland Lamb Shearing Championships also drew great attention, adding to the excitement of the event.”
In the afternoon, large crowds gathered in the Fashion Show Marquee for the ever-popular Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman Competitions.
- Vanessa Shortall from Tullamore, Co. Offaly was awarded Most Appropriately Dressed Lady, judged by former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter and sponsored by Voco, The Club. Her prize included an overnight spa escape for two.
- Peter Larkin from Kinvara, Galway, was crowned Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman, judged by influencer Chloe Markham and sponsored by Shaws, receiving a €500 Shaws voucher.
The 94th National Ploughing Championships will conclude tomorrow, with visitors looking forward to an exciting final day of action in both the ploughing fields and the National Brown Bread Baking Competition Final, where Ireland’s National Brown Bread Baker of the Year 2025 will be crowned. Alongside plenty of fun activities, from horseshoe throwing to entertainment for all ages.
#PLOUGHING2025 Kicks Off in Spectacular Style as Crowds Flock to Screggan
The National Ploughing Championships 2025 kicked off this morning as thousands of visitors streamed through the gates from early hours.
Attendance soared to 78,500 on Day One, up 3,000 from last year’s figures.
With clear blue skies overhead, the site buzzed with excitement as shoppers, agricultural enthusiasts, celebrities, and politicians enjoyed a vibrant day out with something for everyone.
From cutting-edge agricultural machinery and quality livestock to artisan food, fashion, and family entertainment, the very best of Ireland was on show across the sprawling exhibition.
One of the day’s main highlights was the eagerly awaited announcement of the prestigious Machine of the Year award, with the top honour going to Paul Quinn from Mastek. Judges praised the strong competition, noting the outstanding innovation and quality on display.
Reflecting on the success of the opening day, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh Said, “We are absolutely delighted with today’s incredible turnout. Thanks to the excellent traffic management by An Garda Síochána and the cooperation of visitors, everything ran smoothly. Everywhere you looked, there were smiles, laughter, and people soaking up the wide range of activities on offer.”
President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the event, paying warm tribute to Anna May McHugh, the Gardaí, Offaly County Council, and the hundreds of volunteers and staff whose dedication makes the event possible each year.
Looking ahead to Day Two
Tomorrow’s programme is set to be just as action-packed, with fashion shows, cookery demonstrations at the Midland Flavours and Farmers Journal stands, live machinery demos, the All-Ireland Lamb Shearing Championships, Irish Simmental National Calf Finals, the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, and the semi-finals of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition. Visitors can also look forward to the ever-popular Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman competitions, judged by influencer Holly Carpenter, alongside another thrilling day of ploughing at the heart of the event.
National Ploughing Championship 2024 Results
