Ploughing Attendance Up Nearly 100,000 On Last Year

Wednesday, 18 September 2019 07:47

Good conditions are forecast for day two!

Over 100,000 people are expected to attend day two of the Ploughing Championships in Co. Carlow today.

Brexit and the ongoing beef dispute will be the main talking points when several senior politicians meet the farming community at the 1,000 acre site later.

A total of 102,500 people attended the first day of the National Ploughing Championships here in Carlow yesterday.

That's up from 97,500 that attended day one of last year's Ploughing in Screggan, and is the second highest in the 88 year history of the event.

Today will see a stream of politicians mingle with the public and their party supporters. Tánasite Simon Coveney, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, and minister and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan, along with Richard Bruton and Heather Humpheries, are among those due to attend.

With the prospect of a no-deal Brexit looming and the ongoing beef row showing no signs of a resolution, these will be at the forefront from many farmers when they meet the politicians.

Another dry and sunny day is forecast and temperatures are expected to reach 21 degrees, meaning huge crowds are likely again.

Gates will be open to the public at 9am, and anyone travelling is advised to leave plenty of time for their journey.