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#PLOUGHING2025 Kicks Off in Spectacular Style as Crowds Flock to Screggan
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.
Excitement builds as the countdown is well & truly on for ‘Ploughing 2025
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.
National Ploughing Championship 2024 Results
