Category: News

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.

With just three weeks to go until Europe’s largest outdoor event kicks off

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon was the guest of honour at this afternoon’s National Ploughing Championships Media launch on the Screggan site in Tullamore. The launch featured prize-winning animals, tractors, sheep, ponies, brown bread bakers, musicians, crafters and a whole lot more, which gave guests and media a preview of the exciting attractions set to take place across the three-day event.

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said, “Preparations are in full swing as this green field transforms into the bustling hub of the National Ploughing Championships. Just weeks ago, it was open countryside, now it’s set to welcome hundreds of thousands. The Ploughing showcases the very best of Ireland, uniting rural and urban communities for three days of country living, innovation, and enterprise. It’s always a race against the clock, but the result is a one-of-a-kind celebration.”

There will be millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display, featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment, and already there is huge interest in the prestigious ‘Machine of the Year’ competition.

The Livestock section will be a major highlight with over 100 entries in the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association All Ireland Finals, The Shorthorn Calf Competition and the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition as well as many other breeds on display and 12 sheep breeds in the Tunnell this year.  Visitors will not only have the chance to admire the exceptional quality of animals on display but also to gain insights into livestock management, genetics, nutrition, and animal healthcare. 

The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving at #Ploughing25, with a record number of diverse and exciting businesses set to exhibit at this year’s Local Enterprise Village. In addition, the Local Enterprise Offices have announced a partnership with Google, which will be on-site, helping SMEs upskill in digital tools and AI. The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena also makes a welcome return, showcasing groundbreaking technologies and cutting-edge ideas. Visitors can also enjoy the new Midlands Flavours, highlighting the very best local producers from Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath with cookery demonstrations every morning and afternoon.

A key attraction at this year’s National Ploughing Championships will be the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, with eight finalists competing live in Screggan for the coveted title of Ireland’s best brown bread baker.

The ‘Ploughing’ is a haven for foodies, as all sectors of the food chain are represented from producer to retailer, artisan foods, craft beers, celebrity chefs, cookery competitions and much more.

The ‘Dome’ & ‘Hub’ marquees are returning, creating the largest retail pop-up in the country.

Ireland’s competitors for the upcoming World Ploughing Contest, Jer Coakley, West Cork (Reversible class) and Martin Kehoe, Wexford (Conventional class), received a warm send-off today ahead of their departure to Prague, where the 70th World Ploughing will take place. They will join 49 competitors from 26 countries.  Jer Coakley, the defending 2024 World Champion, while Martin Kehoe, 3 times World Champion has battled his way back onto the World Stage for the first time since 1999 (26 years ago).

The National Championships Ploughing Stakes has drawn a particularly strong programme this year, attracting entries from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland, with more than 350 competitors taking part.

All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year such as Fashion Shows, Meggers, Sheep Shearing, Hunter Trials, Fun Fair, Food Fayre, Craft Demonstrations, Pony Games, a great cultural programme of local musicians and dance troops, Threshing, Loy Digging, Baking Competitions with celebrities and well known faces everywhere Ploughing 2025 is not to be missed.

The National Ploughing Association is pleased to confirm that Certa will once again serve as the official fuel sponsor for this year’s National Ploughing Championships, taking place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on September 16th, 17th & 18th.

Speaking ahead of the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh expressed her enthusiasm for the continued partnership “We’re delighted to welcome Certa back as our official fuel partner for Ploughing 2025. It’s fantastic to have their support again, particularly with the use of HVO, a sustainable diesel that aligns with our commitment to greener practices.”

Certa will supply the event fuel requirements for the 3 days, including fuelling all the generators for powering the site and the lighting towers from the main site.

Certa is delighted to be the official fuel supplier to the National Ploughing Championships.  Certa Managing Director Orla Stevens said, “With its blend of tradition, skill, innovation and community, the National Ploughing Championship is a celebration of Ireland’s rural heart. We at Certa are proud to support the event once again this year. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’re helping to reduce its carbon footprint through the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). This renewable fuel helps to cut carbon emissions by up to 90%.”

Throughout the event, Certa will also be showcasing a range of energy solutions for customers, including solar, HVO, lubricants, and other liquid fuels

The Ploughing and FBD: Keeping You Safe child safety wristband project will be an important feature again at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, which will take place in Screggan, Tullamore, County Offaly on September 16th, 17th & 18th. Over 40,000 of the safety wristbands will be handed-out at the event entrances by FBD staff, with space for a contact phone number, offering peace of mind should a child become separated from their group.

Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the NPA, commented: “We are very pleased to continue our partnership with FBD on this vital child safety initiative. The wristbands have become a simple but highly effective tool in keeping families safe and together during the event. With the enormous crowds we welcome each year, they offer invaluable peace of mind to parents and guardians.

The National Ploughing Championships is a celebration of community and family. With countless attractions to delight children and adults alike, from fun fairs and playgrounds to sporting stars and everything in between. Safety is a key part of making sure everyone enjoys their day to the fullest.”

“At FBD, we are proud to be continue our longstanding relationship with the National Ploughing Association by supporting the valuable child safety wristband initiative at the National Ploughing Championships. The safety and well-being of our youngest visitors is a top priority and these wristbands offer families peace of mind as they explore and enjoy everything ‘the Ploughing’ has to offer. Our hope is that all children will wear the FBD wristbands and have a fun, memorable and safe day when they visit Ploughing 2025.” Tomás Ó Midheach, CEO, FBD Insurance.

All under 12s are free of charge once accompanied by a paying adult. To guarantee ticket availability ON your day of choice please book online in advance www.npa.ie.