Excitement builds as Ploughing 2023 launched in Laois

Europe’s largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships, will get underway in Laois in a fortnight. 

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness was in Laois this morning for the National Ploughing Championships launch on site in Ratheniska. 

Local performers from Laois put on a show for the assembled guests while prize-winning animals, high powered tractors, horses and hounds were all on display.  

The assembled crowd were in high spirits and getting into ‘ploughing’ mode’ in the hope that this glorious weather would hold out for just another few days.

National Ploughing Association Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “preparations are well underway as this green field in the middle of Ireland transforms into a bustling hub for the National Ploughing Championships.  

The event not only provides a national stage to showcase all things that are great about Ireland but also brings together people from all sectors of Irish society both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living.”

There will be millions of euro worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display featuring an extensive range of cutting edge agricultural technology and equipment, with the opportunity to see these in action in the machinery demonstration area. The leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations. Visitors can take the opportunity to admire the marvellous quality livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.  

Sustainability is very much a key theme again for #Ploughing2023. As this year at ‘Ploughing’ there will be numerous green initiatives, for example the NPA will be promoting the use of recyclable products, food waste will be converted into energy through an anaerobic digester and there will also be solar panelled lighting towers, cardboard compactors, litter fines and waste separation operations on-site,” said Ann May.  

Certa formally known as EMO Oil are providing the electricity for the event using HVO Hydrated Vegetable Oil (recycled cooking oil). 

The ‘Ploughing’ is a haven for foodies, as all sectors of the food chain are represented from producer to retailer, artisan foods, craft beers, celebrity chefs, cookery competitions and much more.

In the national ploughing stakes a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland with over 320 competitors over the three days. 

Models from the Holman Lee modelling agency took to a mini catwalk to provide a glimpse of the highly anticipated fashion shows that will take place throughout the three days of the event.   Local and national boutiques/fashion houses provided a taster of the latest styles and the fashion of the upcoming season.

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All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year such as Fashion Shows, Meggers, Sheep Shearing, Hunt Derby, Fun Fair, Food Fayre, Craft Demonstrations, Pony Games, Live Music and Dancing, Vintage Ploughing, Threshing, Loy Digging, Motor Show, Baking Competitions and a host of celebrities and well known faces.

The National Ploughing Championships 2023 will take place from Tuesday, September 19 to Thursday, September 21 inclusive.