Ploughing in Laois ends in an "upbeat" mood despite the weather and smaller crowds
The National Plouging Association is happy with the outcome of 2023 National Ploughing Championships held in Ratheniska but the attendance figures are down on previous years.
As the sun went down on Day three of the huge event, the total attendance figure for came to a total of 200,500. The NPA repored "wonderful atmosphere" on Thursday with exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves on the final day of this year’s ‘Ploughing’.
Ballylinan woman and NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh spoke at the close of the weather hit event.
“Despite experiencing a very wet start on Tuesday, the overall mood for this year’s Ploughing has been incredibly upbeat and positive. With so much for visitors to enjoy from quality livestock & serious machinery to fashion, playground, innovations, crafts & cookery competitions and sports stars galore there was something for every member of the family to enjoy,” she said.
Tánaiste Michéal Martin congratulated the NPA on the event he paid tribute to Anna May, the NPA, gardaí, staff and the several hundred volunteers required to host an event of its scale and scope.
The much anticipated National Brown Bread Baking Competition final took place in the Aldi tent in front of an audience of several hundred. The overall winner in first place was Loretta McGuire from Mayo, who was absolutely thrilled with her win.
In the ploughing competition Eamonn Tracey from Carlow won the overall Conventional class, while West Cork man Jer Coakley won the Reversible Ploughing competition.
The organisers might be a bit concerned about the attendance this year.
Carlow was the host venue with the biggest ploughing attendance in 2019 when almost 300,000 attended. The event was not held again until 2022 when Ratheniska was also the venue for the National and World ploughing championships. The total attendance over the three days last year was 277,000.