The 95th National Ploughing Championships got off to a flying start today as thousands of visitors streamed through the gates in Screggan from early morning.
Attendance reached 77,000 on Day One, with crowds from across Ireland and further afield enjoying a packed programme of ploughing, agriculture, food, fashion, innovation and entertainment.
From cutting-edge agricultural machinery and world-class livestock to food, shopping and family entertainment, the site was buzzing, with something on offer for visitors of all ages.
Competition got underway in the ploughing fields from 10.30am, with conventional, reversible, horse and vintage classes taking place alongside Day One of the prestigious Five Nations Competition.
President Catherine Connolly officially opened the 95th National Ploughing Championships at the Grandstand, marking the beginning of three action-packed days celebrating the very best of Irish agriculture, enterprise and rural life.
The Machine of the Year Award was also announced from the Grandstand, with the Manitou MLT 625 e battery-powered compact telehandler crowned the 2026 Machine of the Year.
Elsewhere across the site, the Junior and Senior National Brown Bread Baking competitions got underway, while fashion shows, the Aberdeen Angus Championships and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards added to a busy first day.
Reflecting on the day, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said:
“We are absolutely delighted with the atmosphere here today and with the fantastic number of people who have come through the gates. There is a wonderful buzz right across the site and it is great to see so many visitors enjoying everything the Ploughing Championships has to offer.”
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- The Manitou MLT 625 e battery-powered, compact telehandler was selected as the winner of the Machine of the Year. Peter Smyth, Chloe Tapp and Garth Bryson from Manitou are presented with the aeward by NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- NPA president Mick Mahon and Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Timahoe Male Voice Choir at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Garry Ireland ploughing for Ireland in the 6 Nations Reversible class at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Declan Connolly from Carbury, Co Kildare with six month old Hollie Carbury out on the plots at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Crowds at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Site owner Lisa Flaherty, NPA chairman John Deery, President Catherine Connolly, Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director and Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of Offaly COunty Council at Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- President Catherine Connolly cuts the tape to open Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- President Catherine Connolly cuts the tape to open Ploughing 2026 in Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Winners on the day with NPA president Mick Mahon, managing director Anna May McHugh, chairman John Deery and directors Tom Fahey and PJ Lynam at Ploughing 2026, Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
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- Winners on the day with NPA president Mick Mahon, managing director Anna May McHugh, chairman John Deery and directors Tom Fahey and PJ Lynam Ploughing 2026, Screggan, Tullamore, Tuesday 15th September 2026. Photo: Alf Harvey. No Reproduction Fee
Looking Ahead to Day Two
Wednesday promises another packed programme, with Senior Conventional and Reversible ploughing, Day Two of the Five Nations Competition, the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, Irish Simmental National Calf Finals, fashion shows and the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman competition among the highlights.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition also continues, with Junior and Senior semi-finalists taking to the ovens throughout the day. Across the site, there is so much more to see and do, with talks, celebs, family fun and activities taking place throughout the day.