93rd National Ploughing Championships 2024

The National Ploughing Championships returned to Ratheniska, Co Laois for the third successive year taking place from September 17th to 19th.Our Transition Year students made the journey to Ratheniska,and experienced this amazing event on Thursday, September 19th. A great day was had by all , with both students, and staff members enjoying the company of many Irish celebrities ,and politicians.Thanks to Ciara Walsh for sharing photos with us.

When did it all Begin?

J.J Bergin from Athy, Co. Kildare and Denis Allen from Gorey, Co Wexford were two lifelong friends and farmers. Each of the men believed their county had the best ploughmen Ireland had to offer. They debated back and forth, but inevitably, there was only one way to settle the matter: a bit of healthy competition.The rest as they say is History

Excited at the prospect of a challenge, Bergin and Allen set about contacting tillage farmers in other counties. The interest was considerable. On Monday, February 16th 1931, competitors from nine counties met in Mr WK Hosie's field at Coursetown in Athy, for what would be the very first National Ploughing Championships.