Carlow 'only confirmed for 2019' with Ploughing Championships to deliver €35m to local economy

The 88th National Ploughing Championships has "only been confirmed for 2019" at the site in Ballintrane, Fenagh from September 17 to 19 next year.

The event has an economic impact of €35 million and boasts approximately 1,700 exhibitors, almost 300,000 visitors across 2 million feet of trade space and of course, over 300 ploughing competitors taking part as well.  

A spokesperson for the National Ploughing Association said the site has "only been confirmed for 2019". 

The site in Carlow has seen 930 acres gathered up and 24 local landowners are involved. 

Some 180 acres of the site will be used for the trade stands, 200 acres for ploughing and the rest of car parking. 

Speaking after the announcement the NPA Managing Director, Anna May McHugh, said: “We are delighted to be staging the event in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow, as the site has all of the criteria to qualify it as an excellent place to stage next year’s ‘Ploughing’.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the people of Offaly for all of the goodwill and support for the last three successful years, when the event was held in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly."

Pictured above in Tullamore announcing Ballintrane as the venue for Ploughing 2019 are from left: Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director; Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Brian O'Donoghue; landowners Sean Esmonde, Jeoffrey & Maureen Brennan, Reginald & Maureen Brennan, Seamus Quirke, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Henry  Nolan, Seamie Quirke, Carlow ploughmen Eamonn Tracey (World Conventional Champion) and John Treacy at the Ploughing Banquet and Awards in Tullamore, Sunday 7th October 2018.