Author: andywalsh

William (Billy) O’Connell

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The National Ploughing Association community were deeply saddened on Sunday last to learn of the tragic, sudden death of one of our young East Cork Ploughmen. 

William (Billy) O’Connell was an aspiring young ploughman with huge potential who died way too young.  Billy competed in the National Ploughing Championships in 2022 and again in 2024,  when he was placed 6th in the Under-21 Ploughing Class (Senior Grade).

The O’Connell family have a long tradition with the National Ploughing Association, as Billy’s grandfather Andy managed the Competitor Assembly Area for well over 20 years, becoming a very well-known face to every competitor that ever ploughed in the nationals and only retired last year. 

When Billy started to plough competitively, Andy was hugely proud and particularly so when Billy qualified for the Nationals.

On behalf of the National Ploughing Association and our members nationwide, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the O’Connell and Griffin families on the tragic death of Billy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his Dad Donal, mother Brigid, brother Ben, sister Emma and grandparents Andy and Joan.

May he rest in peace.

95th National Ploughing Championships to Return to Screggan, Tullamore in 2026​

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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

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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

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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.