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With just under two weeks to go to the staging of one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, preparations at the site in Ratheniska are well under way for this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Today, the national media were treated to an exciting preview of what to expect, as the event was officially launched on the Co. Laois site.

Launching the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “The Championships not only provides a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural, but also brings together people from all sectors of Irish society both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living”.

“Many visitors to the event take the three days out in late September to have a well-earned break from their daily working lives, particularly following one of the busiest times in the farming calendar, the harvest”.

“Returning annually, the event has been responsible for the forging of many lifelong friendships.”

Food, fashion and farming were the flare of the day as ploughing enthusiasts, public representatives including the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and photographic journalists got a flavour of all that “Ploughing” has to offer.

For Machinery addicts, the NPC trade arena goes unrivalled. All the top brands will be showcasing the latest makes and models on the market. Today guests along with some of Ireland’s top models took the opportunity to inspect the site and try out some of the tractors/machinery on site.

Motoring exhibits have increased by 20% this year and the International element is incredibly strong with countries from all over the world represented; exhibitors from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, France, Netherlands and USA; visiting delegations from China, Austria, Spain and South Africa, . There will also be several Ambassadors including the American Ambassador Kevin O’Malley and the French Ambassador Jean Pierre Thebault in attendance.

Several new dimensions will see a French Business Pavilion, a Young Innovator Bursary to a European trade fair and an International Business Centre in the Innovation Arena.

Education will also feature significantly at this year’s event with 17 colleges exhibiting between Ireland and the UK.

The Science Foundation of Ireland will run a variety of interactive science shows and workshops for event goers of all age groups for example Science magic shows, microscope workshops etc.  These exciting shows and workshops are currently being developed by researchers in Science Foundation Ireland Funded Research Centres and will include walk in and bookable events.

Up to 200,000 visitors are expected to descend on the 800 acre site with over 1,500 stands.

This makes the 2015 National Ploughing Championships the biggest yet and one of the market leading Agriculture Trade Fairs worldwide.

FBD LAUNCH NEW CHILD SAFETY INITIATIVE FOR THIS YEAR’S PLOUGHING

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh and FBD’s Head of Farm & Business Christy Doherty launch new pioneering Child Safety Wristband initiative for this year’s Ploughing Championships. The white wristbands, which will be handed-out at all of the event entrances, will allow for a contact phone number to be written on the band in the event that the wearer wanders off amidst the crowd.

FBD’s Head of Farm & Business Christy Doherty said: “As one of the main sponsors of the National Ploughing Championships for over 25 years, we are delighted to support this new Child Safety Initiative that aims to keep all children safe as they attend the event. FBD’s Champions for Change Farm safety campaign this month also focuses on child safety and we are investing significantly in our communications campaign to raise awareness of hazards for children on the farm. The National Ploughing Championships are enjoying greater attendance year on year and it is therefore hoped that our FBD Keeping you safe wristbands will serve as a reassurance to anyone bringing children to the event.”

“This is an excellent safety concept not just for children but for anyone who is slightly vulnerable attending Ploughing throughout the 3 days, as it will give peace of mind and add greatly to visitors’ enjoyment of the event. As all can now rest assured that loved ones will be returned safely in case they get lost in the large crowds that attend the Championships,” said NPA MD Anna May McHugh.

The launch took place on the site in Ratheniska, Co. Laois as the first of over 25 kilometres of track-way is currently being laid down to transform a green field into the bustling hub that will become the 84th National Championships. There is now great activity on the ploughing site to prepare for Europe’s largest outdoor event taking place from Tuesday 22nd of September to Thursday 24th of September.

There will be an array of new exhibitors as well as hundreds of outstanding veteran companies showcasing their products and services in dynamic ways. With top quality Machinery Demonstrations, Prizewinning Animals, a Forestry Village complete with Husqvarna Pole climbing, Pony Games, Sheep Dog Trials, Hunt Chase, Live Entertainment & Music, a Food Fayre, a unique Garden Project with renowned gardener Diarmuid Gavin, Fashion Shows, International Business opportunities, a revamped Innovation Arena and an extended Local Enterprise Village with over 75 exhibitors, there is something for all of the family.

Other really exciting new additions to the programme this year include a Festi’Kids Crèche, a Tractor Ted Arena, A Driving Challenge, the Foroige Junior Baker and lots more, Ireland’s Farming Festival is not to be missed..

Tickets are now available online at www.npa.ie or by phoning 059 8625125. Special student and group rates apply to pre-event orders and don’t forget children under 12 are free.

Showcasing the Best of Irish Food, Farming and Culture, this year’s National Ploughing Championships will take place from 22nd – 24th of September in Ratheniska, Co Laois. For the first time ever, due to unprecedented demand there has been an extensive waiting list for exhibitor stands since May. NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “we are delighted that so many exhibitors have booked again to come to Ploughing because that is a real seal of approval for the event.”

“There will be an array of new exhibitors as well as hundreds of outstanding veteran companies showcasing their products and services in dynamic ways. With top quality Machinery Demonstrations, Prizewinning Animals, a Forestry Village complete with Husqvarna Pole climbing, Pony Games, Hunt Chase, Live Entertainment & Music, a Food Fayre, National Baking Competitions, a unique Garden Project with renowned gardener Diarmuid Gavin, Fashion Shows, International Business opportunities, a revamped Innovation Arena and an extended Local Enterprise Village with over 75 exhibitors.”

An extended Trade Arena will see the return of the popular Tented Trade Village with demand necessitating the biggest Arcade ever, with up to 120 exhibitors displaying in the one arena plus hundreds more located in additional specialist Pavilions.
In the competitive ploughing stakes a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland, hundreds of acres will be ploughed over the 3 days with over 350 entrants from all around the country competing.
Other really exciting new additions to the programme this year include a Festi’Kids Crèche, a Tractor Ted Arena, A Driving Challenge, the Foroige Junior Baker and lots more, Ireland’s Farming Festival is not to be missed.
Tickets are now available online at www.npa.ie or by phoning 059 8625125. Special student and group rates apply to pre-event orders and don’t forget kids under 12 are free and parking is free.

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Farmers Journal and the NPA have joined forces again to provide budding entrepreneurs and innovators with an exceptional opportunity to apply for the Innovation Arena Award at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, with a prize fund now totalling an unparalleled €65,000 this is an opportunity not to be missed.

With remarkable interest the exhibition area for this year’s innovation stands will double in size. There will also be additional categories for a junior award for under-18s and a student category and due to unprecedented demand applications for late entries, known as wildcards, are now open until 3.00pm Friday July 17th 2015.  Successful wildcard entries will be notified of their selection by July 24th.

The competition for places is tough and the rewards are great, according to Denis Duggan from Enterprise Ireland. Denis explained that winning this award is just the start of a long relationship with Enterprise Ireland.

NPA Managing Director Anna Marie McHugh said “The opening up of the competition gives anyone who has a good business idea the chance to enter and possibly become the next big success story in Irish agriculture or business. Missing entry deadlines is easy with high workloads and family pressures all part of modern life. We are delighted to be able to offer this last chance for entries to the Innovation Awards with the National Ploughing Association, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal.’’
To apply please go to www.enterprise-ireland.com/innovationarena to see the conditions for entry and process details.