The 2019 National Ploughing Championships kicks off on Tuesday and the weather is looking good for the huge crowds expected to attend.
This year’s three-day event in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow is set to be bigger than any other and the dry weather will attract more than 300,000 people.
Met Eireann forecaster Vincent O’Shea said: “It looks like it’ll be ideal conditions for the ploughing because we are expecting settled weather this week.
“It’ll be dry, calm and quite pleasant across all three days.
“There won’t be wall-to-wall sunshine, the best is likely to be on Tuesday, but there will be some across the three days.
“We can see temperatures ranging between 17C to 19C.
“There will be light winds but it could be warm in the sunshine.”
More than 302 ploughmen will descend upon Carlow on an area better known as “the Fighting Cocks” to compete in the competition.
While those attending from around the world can browse 1,700 exhibitor stalls.
Assistant managing director of the championships, Anna Marie McHugh, told the Irish Mirror: “It’s actually one of the first times that we have had such a physically beautiful site.
“This year we have the biggest trade field we’ve ever had. We’ve approximately 160 acres – it’s three fields.
“The enterprise arena has more countries coming in than they’ve ever had before so that is great for exhibitors.”
Those attending the Ploughing will have plenty to see across the three days ranging from multi-million demos of farming machinery to fashion shows.
Ladies have the chance of winning a prize worth €7,000 along with a trip to Abu Dhabi for the best dressed “country style”.
While the most appropriately dressed gentleman will receive the prize of a stay at the Wineport Lodge as well as a custom-made suit by a local menswear shop.
The Ploughing Championships is set to have an estimated €25million economic impact as thousands of people from all over the world travel to the event.
More than 30 small businesses from every county in Ireland will provide a huge variety of products and services for visitors to enjoy including food, farm safety and even a dog bakery.
Gardai reminded those making the journey to plan, select the appropriate route and follow directions of gardai and stewards.
Speaking at Carlow Garda Station, Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes said: "The National Ploughing Championships 2019 will take place in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow from 17th to 19th September.
"We would advise anyone travelling to the site to visit Garda.ie and identify the traffic route appropriate to them and not to use or rely on Sat Nav devices.
"Allow ample journey time, follow the directional signage and instructions of Garda personnel & stewards along the route and above all drive safely.
"Full details of traffic routes can be found on Garda.ie via the following link - https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/national-ploughing-championships-2019-in-ballintrane-fenagh-carlow-from-17-19-9-19.html"
