Finding God at the National Ploughing Championships
Laois churches will offer quiet places for prayer amongst the 1700 exhibitors
In the midst of the hectic pop-up city in Laois that is the 2024 National Ploughing Championships, religious marquees of various creeds will be offering a quiet moment of contemplation, and a cuppa.
Among them will be the Church of Ireland stand, where Assistant Priest Reverend Janet Finlay will be on hand along with her colleagues and helpers.
Based in Portlaoise, she serves the parish of The Rock and Ballyfin and is shared with Stradbally parish also.
"We invite anyone to come along, have a cup of tea and a biscuit and a chat, even just to sit down. All are welcome," she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live, speaking at the pre-launch of the ploughing on site in early September.
"We will have a prayer space and you can leave your prayer on a piece of paper. Every evening we will hold a quiet time and include them in our prayers," she said.
Fr. David Vard, Fr Thomas O’Byrne, Anna May McHugh, Bishop Denis Nulty and James Sutton NPA President at the National Ploughing Championships launch on site at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, Tuesday 5th September 2023. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Monsignor John Byrne, Parish Priest of Portlaoise Parish was also at the launch.
"It's always very well visited. It's an opportunity for the diocese to put our best foot forward. It's a wonderful event to be part of because it's probably Ireland at its best. Please God we'll get the weather. If it's fine weather I'll take credit for that," he said.
The 2024 National Ploughing Championships will take place on Tuesday to Thursday, September 17 to 19 in Ratheniska, Laois. Tickets are €25 online, and €30 on the gate (if event not sold out). Discounts for students, OAPs and groups. Children under 12 free (accompanied by an adult). See www.npa.ie