Tractor heritage, news and features

Talking numbers

• It is the largest rural gathering of people in Ireland and Europe, last year attracting 180,000 people over three days.
• The Championships comprise of over 700 acres of land - 200 acres for ploughing, 80 acres of trade stand space, 400 acres of car parks and a demonstrations area of approximately 35 acres.
• Worth to the economy? It is reputed to generate in excess of €10 million to the local economy wherever it takes place.
• This year, a record number of over 1100 trade stands are on offer.
• 25,000 steaks will be consumed and it takes over 20 acres of farm land to produce the chips and potatoes used at the event.
• 20 tonnes of Irish produced burgers, sausages and bacon will be used to supply breakfasts each morning, along with 10,000 eggs.
• 12,000 litres of milk will be supplied along with other dairy products such as cheese and butter.
• Caterers will use 6000 litres of tomato ketchup.
• 200,000 gallons of water will be used.
• On the Tuesday of the event, the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady will win a €5000 voucher compliments of Littlewoods, with a Louis Copeland creation on offer for the Most Appropriately Dressed Man. Keep an eye out for the celebrity judges!
• On days two and three of this year’s National Ploughing Championships, the NPA will host the European Reversible Ploughing Contest for the first time with 13 participating countries.

The National Ploughing Championships take place in Cardenton, Athy, County Kildare over 21-23 September, for further information visit www.npa.ie