Ploughing Day One: Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Launch Scholarships

The National Ploughing Championships has returned to Offaly.

The National Ploughing Championships is up and running in Offaly.

President Michael D Higgins has officialy opened the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly.

It marks the last time Mr Higgins will have the honour after serving 14 years in Áras an Uachtarain.

The weather has been kind to attendees, exhibitors and organisers and the like so far.

President Higgins says he expects a massive crowd in Screggan over the next three days:

The Assistant Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, Anna Marie McHugh says the site is the perfect spot for this year's event: 

 Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says farmers will have a platform today to voice concerns:  

Heather Humphreys says she hasn't attended Drum Picnic in Monaghan since about 2015, but she would go again. 

The presidential election candidate has been addressing allegations she has ties to the Orange Order. 

The Fine Gael candidate is at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly today to speak to crowds and ask them for their vote. 

She says attending the July 12th Drum Picnic is about building bridges:

Fianna Fail's presidential candidate is describing Offaly as a central part of Ireland economy and an important part of Ireland's heritage.

Jim Gavin is in Screggan for this year's National Ploughing Championship where organisers are expecting a bumper crowd of 300 thousand people this week.

The newly minted member of the party will be going up against Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent candidate Catherine Connolly.

While a host of other independent reps are tilting at a nomination in county councils across the country.

Mr Gavin says he was especially happy to meet autism awareness campaigner Cara Darmody today:

However we won't be seeing a Presidential bid from one of the key figures behind the National Ploughing Association any time soon.

Assistant Managing Director, Anna Marie McHugh is confirming she's not throwing her name forward for a last minute run at the Aras.

Ms McHugh says it will be interesting to see how they get on:

Macra na Feirme will be among the exhibitors over the three days.

Its President, Josephine O'Neill, says it's a brilliant opportunity for young people to experience rural life:

Ireland won't be cutting its overseas aid contributions in Budget 2026.

Minister for International Development Neale Richmond is confirming the news at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly today.

He believes the aid is an investment in global security in the areas of climate change and energy.

Speaking at the Global Solidarity Hub the Minister says the Ploughing has been a fixture in his life since childhood:

Self Help Africa is based in that same Global Solidarity Hub.

Clara's Ronan Scully works with the charity.

He says the group has more work on their hands than ever before:

Succession is still a key issue that faces young people getting into dairy farming.

That's the view of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, who are one of many farmers bodies at the National Ploughing Championships this week.

The group is also concerned over possible drops to dairy and beef prices, and around current regulations for the sector in Europe.

Chair of the ICMSA's Livestock Committee Michael O'Connell says they need national support:

A quarter of a million visitors are expected at the Screggan site in Tullamore over the next three days. 

People planning on attending are being warned to pack the wellies and raincoats, with a mixed bag of weather expected. 

But, Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather says those at the event today may be lucky:

A raffle to raise funds for a supported pilgrimage holiday for around 400 children with additional needs is taking place at the Ploughing.

The volunteer led Rise and Shine Trust are asking people to correctly assess cattle in order to win a thousand euro,

All proceeds go directly to them to cover the cost for children and their families to Lourdes next Easter.

James McHugh is from the Rise and Shine Trust says it's a highlight for them every year:

Fianna Fail's presidential candidate is describing Offaly as a central part of Ireland economy and an important part of Ireland's heritage.

Jim Gavin is in Screggan for this year's National Ploughing Championship where organisers are expecting a bumper crowd of 300 thousand people this week.

The newly minted member of the party will be going up against Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent candidate Catherine Connolly.

While a host of other independent reps are tilting at a nomination in county councils across the country.

Mr Gavin says he was especially happy to meet autism awareness campaigner Cara Dermody today:

Heather Humphreys says she hasn't attended Drum Picnic in Monaghan since about 2015, but she would go again. 

The presidential election candidate has been addressing allegations she has ties to the Orange Order. 

The Fine Gael candidate is at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly today to speak to crowds and ask them for their vote. 

She says attending the July 12th Drum Picnic is about building bridges:

An All-Ireland winning captain is encouraging young people to consider joining An Garda Síochána.

A specific focus on recruitment is being made with current Garda Trainees and recently attested Garda Probationers  on site every day to talk about why they chose their career.

All-Ireland winning captain for Tipperary and Portlaoise Garda Ronan Maher says it's worth a career worth considering:

We cannot allow ageism to take over farming succession.

That's the view of Presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly on the issue, as  Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon launches the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming today.

It's been a main area of concern for the sector, with the report reccomending planning advice grants young farmer investment schemes.

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Deputy Connolly says it's essential:

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, launched the new Gaeltacht Scholarships in her memory today at the National Ploughing Championships. 

Ashling, a beloved teacher and gifted musician from Tullamore, is remembered for her compassion, talent, and dedication to young people. 

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship 2025, jointly awarded by Mary Immaculate College and the INTO is valued at €4,000, the scholarship honours Ashling’s legacy by supporting a first-year B.E.

Students in 2nd, TY, or 5th year are encouraged to collect a form and enter the free raffle. 

Chairperson of the Ashling Murphy Memorial fund and Principal of Durrow National School James Hogan, says the fund continues to grow through donations and community support, ensuring Ashling’s legacy lives on: