Category: News 2024

The Ploughing & FBD: ‘Keeping You Safe’ Wristband Initiative Returns After Continued Success

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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.

Ploughing Championships 2025 Venue Confirmed

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The National Ploughing Association today confirmed Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly as the venue for the 2025 National Ploughing Championships on 16th, 17th, 18th September.

The Ploughing was held on the same farm in 2016-2017-2018 hosted by Joe Grogan, RIP – his wife Lisa Flaherty Grogan will host the 2025 event with additional lands being made available for ploughing and parking from many neighbouring farmers.

The 3 day event is set to bring millions into the local economy mainly through the hospitality industry but also utilising many local services in order to build an event that requires upwards of 700 acres.

The NPA are excited to be going back to Offaly in 2025 and Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “there will be many of the old favourite elements to the programme but also some new attractions in 2025.”

The announcement was made in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore and attended by members of the NPA Executive Committee, Landowners, Cathaoirleach, County Manager, Gardai and members of Offaly Ploughing.

Sun beginning to set as such a successful ‘Ploughing’ draws to a close.

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As the traffic flows from the car parks here this evening in Ratheniska, Co Laois the total attendance figure for the 93RD National Ploughing Championships came to a massive 244,000 over the 3 days, with a huge increase of 43,450 visitors when compared to last year.  Exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves in the glorious weather with all that was on offer.

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said, “The overall mood for this year’s Ploughing has been incredibly buoyant and positive.  With so much for visitors to enjoy from quality livestock & serious machinery to fashion, celebrities, influencers and sports stars galore there was something for every member of the family to enjoy.”

The coveted 2024 Best Brown Bread Baker title went to Rose Egan from Offaly, she received a very generous cash prize of €5,000 and a state of the art NEFF oven.  The competition was first a feature of the National Ploughing Championships in the early 1950s is sponsored by Euronics & run in conjunction with the ICA

The NPA would like to wish everyone a safe journey home and thank all for making this one of the most successful Championships of all time.

90,500 visitors attended day 2 of the National Ploughing Championships

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Today 90,500 visitors passed through the gates of this year’s ‘Ploughing’ in Ratheniska, Co Laois. This brings the total attendance so far this week to 166,000 over the first two days. Speaking this evening, NPA Managing Director Ms Anna May McHugh said “We expected large crowds again today given the glorious weather & great feedback received yesterday.”

In the afternoon, the ever popular Most Appropriately Dressed Lady & Gentleman Competitions were hotly contested in the dedicated Fashion Show Marquee.  Anne O’Mahony from Tipperary, received the title of The Most Appropriately Dressed Lady, judged by former Miss Ireland winner, Holly Carpenter, sponsored by the Club Hotel at Goffs.  Anne O’Mahony won an exclusive weekend at The Club at Goffs, including a four-course meal. Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman winner was Patrick O’Brien from Galway, judged by Irish influencer, Kieran Corrigan and sponsored by Shaws Department Store. Mr O’Brien won a 500 euro voucher for Shaws Department Stores. 

The final day of the 93rd National Ploughing Championships will be tomorrow. Everyone is eagerly anticipating all of tomorrow’s Ploughing action and the final of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition will take place. The winner will be crowned Ireland’s National Brown Bread Baker of the Year 2024.