The National Ploughing Championships are set to return to Ratheniska in Laois once again in 2024.
The news was confirmed this evening at the National Ploughing Championships Prizewinners Banquet in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.
The championships, which will be the 93nd in its history – will return to Ratheniska from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19.
The weather was the main talking point from the most recent festival which took place a few months ago.
The heavy rain left most of the site saturated with volunteers working tirelessly to get everyone in and out over the three days.
Despite all of that, more than 200,000 people came to Laois over the three days this year.
62,500 people attended the final day of the three-day event on the Thursday.
66,250 people travelled to Ratheniska for the Ploughing on Tuesday, while 71,800 people descended on the site for the second day of the championships on Wednesday.
Speaking after the announcement the NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said: “The NPA are delighted to be holding the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois again next year. Feedback from landowners, the local community and the wider public has been very positive and all were enthusiastic to see a return to Co. Laois.
“It worked well as a location this year despite the inclement weather conditions.
“The site has proved popular for several reasons including its location in the middle of Ireland.”
Anna May McHugh also congratulated all of the winners who were awarded at today’s Prize-Giving Banquet.
Irish Ploughing has never been so well represented on the global stage and is the envy of other nations with the historic back to back wins of the Republic of Ireland team at the recent World Ploughing Contest in Latvia with both Eamonn Tracey from Carlow & Wexford’s John Whelan being crowned Supreme World Ploughing Champions in their respective classes.
In addition, there was a magnificent result at the European Ploughing Championships with Jer Coakley from Cork winning first place gold and Dan Donnelly from Wexford securing the Reserve European Ploughing Champion position.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Paschal McEvoy, welcomed the news that the ploughing would return.
He said: “Just announced at NPA presentation at Midlands Park Hotel 2024 Ploughing Championships to be held in Ratheniska.
“This is great news for Laois and I look forward to a massive attendance once again.”
SEE ALSO –
