Thousands of Kildare people heading to Ploughing Championships next month

THE eyes of the country will be on Offaly for three days next month when up to 250,000 people arrive in the county for the National Ploughing Championships.

The National Ploughing, billed as Europe's largest outdoor agriculture event, will take place at Screggan, Tullamore on September 16-18 and it was confirmed today (August 25) that President Michael D Higgins will be attending on opening day in what will be one of his final public duties before retirement.

The National Ploughing took place at the same venue in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and this year will also be the ninth time for Offaly to host it.

Speaking at the launch of the Ploughing at the site in Screggan, where a tented village has already been erected, Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, Offaly County Council, said it will be a boost to the local economy and businesses will benefit from the footfall.

“It is a joyous occasion and one for celebration to bring the National Ploughing Championships back to Screggan, Co Offaly and back to the Faithful County,” said Cllr Leahy.

He paid tribute to Anna May McHugh, managing director, National Ploughing Association (NPA), and her daughter, Anna Marie McHugh, assistant managing director, saying they were an inspiration to everyone.

“Your continued enthusiasm, your drive and passion over a prolonged period of time, there's no question, is very infectious.”

Cllr Leahy also noted that the Ploughing was a cause for celebration for many reasons in Offaly, not least that the county had an adequate road infrastructure.

The council Cathaoirleach stressed that Offaly had the grounds for the Ploughing to take place on too.

The NPA announced in December 2024 that the Ploughing would be returning to Screggan and would be hosted by Lisa Flaherty Grogan.

Ms Flaherty (pictured below with site manager Tom Kelly) is the widow of Joseph Grogan, who passed away in April 2023. Cllr Leahy remarked: “I'd like to thank Lisa for carrying on the legacy of Joe.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, a Kildare-based TD and farmer, told the large crowd gathered from all over the country for the launch that he had first attended the Ploughing when it was held in Oakpark, Carlow and then for three years running in his home county.

“The Ploughing is the national highlight of the national calendar and an event I look forward to each year. It brings people together from across Ireland to showcase all that is good about our vibrant agricultural sector,” said Minister Heydon.

“The Ploughing celebrates rural life in Ireland and alongside the competitions it showcases the great skill and ability of some of the best ploughmen and women in the world. And the Ploughing will include a much wider range of exhibitions of the crafts and the tools of the trade of our great agri food sector as well.

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“As Minister I'm determined to communicate a fresh understanding of what it is our farmers and fishers and foresters and the food industry contribute to Irish society and the economy. Agri food is our key indigenous export focused sector and its roots run really deep.”

Brian Mahon, Offaly Ploughing chair said he hoped the sun will shine on the Ploughing over the three days and that it will be a super event overall while Anna May McHugh said she knew that the local parish priest, Fr Michael Whittaker, would be “saying all the prayers for good weather”.

Ms McHugh said that President Higgins will perform the official opening of the Ploughing at noon on Tuesday, September 16 next.

“Since he became President he's never missed a National Ploughing Championships and we're very grateful for that.”

Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan strongly advised all those travelling to the Ploughing to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time.

There was musical entertainment in the launch marquee from the Ashling Murphy Memorial Band, whose members included Ray Murphy, father of the late Ashling, and Attracta Brady, national Comhaltas president.

There were also performances from two young Irish dancers, sisters Emer and Chloe Mahon, daughters of Offaly Ploughing Association chair Brian Mahon.