Directors of the National Ploughing Association travelled to Athy today to attend the launch of the 2009 National Ploughing Championships promotional brochure which is packed with details of the forthcoming Championships which take place from Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th of September next.
Margaret Nolan from Bank of Ireland, sponsors of the ‘new look’ promotional brochure was also present and is very much looking forward to the Championships in September. Bank of Ireland is long time sponsor and supporter of the biggest outdoor event in the country and every year have had a presence there.
Organisers are particularly excited about designing this year’s Exhibition Arena, expected to take up a large section of the 100 acre grass field, with roadways on both sides and extensive lands in close proximity for working machinery demonstrations – a unique element of the Ploughing Championships setting it apart from other Agricultural Exhibitions across Europe.
The diversification of stands attending the ploughing is sure to have something to interest everyone. Food, crafts, health, leisure, hotels, government departments, demonstrations, cookery and lots more, as well as the top ploughmen and women battling it out for the National title and an opportunity to represent Ireland at the World Championships.
Entertainment will not be in short supply, with broadcasters such as George Hook, Claire Byrne and Sean Moncrieff from Newstalk 106 – 108 FM presenting from the Ploughing as well as many of the popular RTE presenters.
The 2010 European Reversible Ploughing Contest will be hosted in Ireland and the NPA are looking forward to the challenge of launching the event in Ireland and the Czech Republic simultaneously on the final day of this year’s Irish Championships which is also the Eve of the 2009 European Finals in the Czech Republic. Thirty competitors from 15 countries will travel with their delegations to Ireland for the competition in 2010.
Athy in Co Kildare has hosted this prestigious event on three previous occasions, the first of which was in 1931 and the second in 1955 for the Silver Jubilee and last in Kilkea in 1985. Anna May McHugh, said that “the Fennin Farm on the Stradbally Road is an ideal location for this year’s Ploughing. The land is extremely good; the location is excellent and accessible, all these factors should make this year an extremely successful one”
Bringing the event to one of the best tillage belts in the country presents the NPA with great scope, the land is vast and neighbouring farmers were very forthcoming in making their lands available. History is repeating itself as almost 80 years ago, some of the land making up this year’s site hosted the first ever National Ploughing Championships in 1931.
As well as launching the new 2009 brochure, the Directors had a busy day at the NPA’s Annual General Meeting making some important decisions about the forthcoming National Ploughing Championships. Managing Director, Anna May McHugh confirmed that preparations are under way and going according to plan for the three-day extravaganza.
The National Ploughing has announced two new Directors to the Board; John Whelan from New Ross in Wexford and Daniel O’Dwyer from Tullyroan in Kilkenny. John, a very successful ploughman in his own right, having competed at World level on four occasions, the last in 2008, will be a valuable addition to the Board of Directors as will Daniel’s, as a very experienced member at county level and Supervisor of National Events.
Trade Exhibition Applications are now available and quite a number have already been received at the offices of the NPA in advance of the Championships. Businesses are advised to apply early if they wish to take space, as demand has generally exceeded supply in most categories. Closing date for completed applications is 29th May.
Not just for the Ploughing or Machinery enthusiast, the Ploughing Championships will have an extensive Livestock Exhibition showcasing many of the Breed Societies and this year will include the 20th Limousine National Championships, Hunt Chase, Fashion Shows, Shopping Arcades, Vintage Exhibitions, Food Halls and a number of new elements are in the planning stage.
Already visiting delegations from Finland and exhibitors from New Zealand are preparing to visit and the NPA are looking forward to hosting ploughing delegates from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For more information on the event, to request a brochure or a trade exhibition application or find out about group rates for tickets, visit www.npa.ie
Issued by National Ploughing Association
Anna Marie McHugh: 087 4193965 furrow@eircom.net
Avril Perrin: 087 2831793 media@npa.ie