Category: News

As the first of over 25 kilometres of trakway for the 85^th National Ploughing Championships is currently being laid to transform a green field in Offaly into the bustling hub that will become this year’s event. The NPA are delighted to welcome back Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the official motoring partner; this is the sixth year in a row of this successful partnership.

Alan Bateson, Managing Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland said “We are delighted to be returning for our 6^th year in 2016 as official Vehicle partner of the National Ploughing Championships. This year we will supply a range of 4 Motion Transporter Generation 6 Vans and Amarok Pick Ups which have proven to be so popular with the agricultural community in Ireland. We will also  launch our new Amarok V6 at this year’s championships, this new vehicle which sets the benchmark against all other competitors in Ireland and which will be the only V6 offering in this segment, with a class leading 221bhp and a best in class 550Nm of torque we know it is sure to attract huge interest.  

“The National Ploughing Championships showcases the Best of Irish Food, Farming and Culture and this partnership matches our brand values of being the best Commercial Vehicle manufacturer in the Irish Market.”

The National Ploughing Association Managing Director Anna May McHugh said ‘The Volkswagen fleet of vehicles provided for Ploughing will prove to be a huge addition for the off-road preparations and site works that will take place on upwards of 800 acres, and during the event week they will provide a vital link between exhibition, competitions, demonstrations and car parks.”

Celebrating the 85^th year of the National Ploughing Association, this year’s programme is action packed with exciting activities and events throughout the three days in Screggan, Tullamore from September 20^th – 22nd. Over 1,500 exhibitors have booked their spot at the event showcasing cattle, sheep, and a huge range of goods from tractors and agricultural machinery to cars, fashion, forestry, innovations, house and home, health, lifestyle, leisure and plenty of entertainment, retail therapy and food stalls.

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

A FIRST FOR PLOUGHING – OVER 90% OF STAND SPACE BOOKED BEFORE END OF MAY
NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “Due to unprecedented demand bookings for this year’s Ploughing Championships are up almost 30% on this time last year.  We are delighted that so many have already committed to Ploughing because that is a real seal of approval for the event.  It is the primary aim of the NPA to make the event better every year for visitors and exhibitors alike and early bookings gives us much more design time.”

This year the core agricultural machinery companies, as always will be the anchor exhibitors of the championships showcasing hundreds of thousands of euros worth of the latest technology.  The NPA are also at the planning stage of a few new initiatives in the machinery sector of the event which will add an interesting dimension together with a range of new exhibitors featuring in Screggan this September creating a thrilling mix for visitors.

With record crowds of 281,000 visitors in attendance last year and excitement building already about this year’s new venue, signals would suggest another “great ploughing” is on the way.

The Livestock Arena, Food and Lifestyle Villages are almost fully booked with the huge “dome” back again featuring over 100 exhibitors.  The motor arena will be significantly bigger following hugely positive feedback in this sector last year.

All of the firm favourite traditional attractions are set to return this year such as Meggers, Sheep Shearing, Hunt Chase, Pony Games, Live Music and Dancing, Vintage Ploughing, Threshing, Sheep Dog Trials and Loy Digging.

In the ploughing stakes a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland bringing the number preparing to plough in Offaly over 300 for the 3 days.

THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL BROWN BREAD BAKING COMPETITION MAKES A WELCOME RETURN TO THIS YEAR’S PLOUGHING

The NPA are delighted to announce that due to great demand “The National Brown Bread Baking Competition” is back again at this year’s Ploughing Championships. The Competition, which is sponsored by Aldi in association with the ICA, has proven to be a tremendous success since it returned to Ploughing in 2014.

This year’s prize pot will increase significantly to over €15,000, with the winner receiving €5,000 in cash plus Ireland’s Best Brown Bread Baker 2016 will have the prestige of selling their bread in Aldi stores throughout the country and receiving at least €5,000 worth of profits when their bread is stocked in stores*.

The qualifiers of The National Brown Bread Baking Competition are currently being held nationwide through the ICA, with 27 finalists taking part in the Regional final in An Grianán in Co. Louth on the 4^th of August..

The semi-finals and finals of this exciting competition will take place live in the Aldi Marquee at this year’s 85^th National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly from September 20^th – 22^nd .

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with Aldi and the ICA given the popularity and success of the Brown Bread Baking competition at Ploughing. The total attendance figures for the 2015 Ploughing Championship came to a record breaking 281,000 and this year’s Championships look set to be bigger and better than ever.”