Over 225,00 attend Ploughing 2025 as event expected to return to Offaly next year

A TOTAL of 225,500 visitors attended the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan over the past three days, down slightly on the previous year's figure when the event was held in neighbouring Laois.

The week proved to be extremely successful with a total of 62,000 visiting the site on Thursday.

Attendees lavished praise on the organisers and the Gardai for the smooth running of traffic over the three days and the event is expected to return to Screggan next year.

This year proved to be a resounding success for both exhibitors and visitors, with John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, commenting “The National Ploughing Championship is always a highlight in our calendar and this year was no exception. The whole FBD Insurance team had a fantastic time at the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet and engage with our customers and the wider farming community. We are delighted to once again be part of such a special occasion that celebrates the very best of Irish Agriculture"

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The National Brown Bread Baking competition final took place on Thursday, where people witnessed great excitement when Maureen Igoe from Bonniconlon, Co.Mayo, was announced as the winner, which saw her take home a very generous €5,000 and a state-of-the-art NEFF oven.

The competition was first featured in the National Ploughing Championships in the early 1950s and is sponsored by Euronics & runs in conjunction with the ICA.

There was so much to enjoy on Thursday, from the welly throwing competition and horseshoe throwing, world-class livestock, to an incredible range of exhibitors showcasing everything from candles, food, and clothes to tractors and machinery.

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