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.
17. Celia Holman Lee models Asta Lee, Kelly Ross and Alannah Maher Daly with Samantha Ginty and her Dorset Ram Earl on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey.
18. Gardai with site manager Tom Kelly and exhibition supervisor Sean Byrne on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey
19. NPA executive members on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey
20. NPA managing director Anna May McHugh and president Mick Mahon with Eamonn Tracey and John Whelan who are off to the World Ploughing with judge, Harry Mallon and coach Gary Simms on site at Screggan, Tullamore for the launch of this year's National Ploughing Championships to be held 15th-17th September next.
Alf Harvey