There was great excitement as the official launch of the National Ploughing Championships took place in Screggan on Thursday morning, August 20.
The 95th edition of the showpiece farming event is set to welcome huge crowds all around the country over three days from September 15–17.
Thursday’s media launch offered a flavour of what is in store this September, bringing together machinery, livestock, food and entertainment as preparations continue which will see Offaly become the centre of Irish agriculture, rural life, enterprise and innovation.
At the heart of it all is the ploughing, with more than 350 competitors & 34 unique classes taking place across the Championships. Adding an international dimension, the Five Nations Ploughing Competition will also take place over two days, adding to what promises to be a fantastic programme of competitive ploughing.
Photos courtesy of Alf and Julie Harvey.
13. Brian Mahon, Offaly Ploughing; Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan; Superintendent Tony Tighe and NPA director PJ Lynam on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey
14. Launching the brown bread baking, Robert Kennedy Euronics; Anna May McHugh, NPA managing director; Paul Cook, Euronics; Mary Darcy, ICA National president and Carmel McConigley, Offaly ICA Federation president on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey
15. Jim Bergin, Emer O'Byrne, Maureen O'Meara and Carolyn O'Hara from FBD and Anna Marie McHugh members of Carlow Pony Club on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey
16. Paddy Daly from Certa; Anna May McHugh, NPA managing direwctor and site owner Lisa O'Flaherty on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey