Ploughing Championships: Dignitaries set to descend in their droves
A decision by the Government of Ireland last year to bring 140 State information exhibitors at the ploughing championships together in 19 different marquees in a pop-up village across 3.2 acres made sense.
It meant that departments and State agencies exhibiting at the event were brought under one roof instead of being scattered across the site in various stands and marquees as was the case in previous years.
Now visitors can get advice about farm payments, passport applications and income tax, crime prevention, housing, public health, pensions, and even the up-to-date weather forecast at the one location.
Meanwhile, the National Ploughing Association says there has been an immense trade interest in exhibiting at this year’s event.
Managing Director Anna May McHugh said: “The extraordinary number of confirmed exhibitors highlights how ‘The Ploughing’ makes “good commercial sense” for the companies exhibiting.
“Europe’s largest outdoor exhibition is an ideal opportunity to showcase the very best of products and services to an expected 300,000 visitors,” she said.
Chef Nevan Maguire cooking up a storm at the 2022 Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co Laois. Photo: Dan LinehanThere will be exhibitors from every part of the country, a large number from Northern Ireland and record international interest.
They will be joined by exhibitors from Italy, Slovakia, Australia, France, Scotland, Spain, Estonia, Wales, Belgium, Netherlands and England.
Millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery displaying the latest cutting-edge technologies will be on view.
Leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations. The ‘Machine of the Year’ competition will feature again.
Mrs McHugh said: “It is wonderful to see all the returning exhibitors and to welcome the large volume of new exhibitors showcasing their products and services in dynamic and progressive ways.
President Michael D HIggins and Jerry Dennehy from Tralee this afternoon with Mutt and Jeff during the Under 40 Ploughing class of the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie“We continue to make a determined effort to improve exhibitor and visitor experience alike, and again this year will be no exception with 37 kilometres of metal roadway, security, lighting, waste removal services, infrastructure, and general facilities available on site,” she said.
Mrs McHugh said the NPA’s core mission is to create a pleasant, friendly, and vibrant place for people, to meet and do business and this is always our priority.
Meanwhile, over 30 small businesses from across the country will get a chance to sell and promote themselves as part of the Local Enterprise Village at the championships.
Minister of State Neale Richmond said it is a fantastic milestone for these small businesses to get a chance to have a stand at the event.
“The opportunity to meet with thousands of people at the Local Enterprise Village, which is one of the popular stands at the Ploughing, is going to be great boost to their business,” he said.
Kieran Comerford, Local Enterprise Offices, said the Ploughing is one of the biggest occasions on the Irish calendar and there are very few events that draw a crowd as large over three days.
“For our small businesses this is a huge opportunity to engage with thousands of prospective customers every day and this could have a significant impact on their business. We have been working with them all across the summer on their products, marketing and merchandising for the event so they can maximise this amazing opportunity,” he said.
Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country.
