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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
