Ireland's Fittest Farmer contest returns to National Ploughing Championships in Laois

‘Ireland’s Fittest Farmer’ competition returns to the National Ploughing Championships next week with GAA legend, Davy Fitzgerald and British and Irish Lions rugby player, Seán O’Brien at the helm. 

The competition is being hosted by Zurich Ireland at their stand at Block 02, Row 12, Stand number 196 which will be open across the three days of the Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska from September 17 to 19.  

The three-day event will see farmers from across Ireland compete to be named Ireland’s Fittest Farmer. The contest is open to all ages and will be held as a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s farmers, aiming to get all farmers thinking and talking about their health - physical and mental. 

Davy Fitzgerald, who has been busy filming the next season of Ireland’s Fittest Family as well as preparing for his new role as manager of the Antrim senior hurling team, says he is “excited to once again be attending the National Ploughing Championships this year”: 

“I’m encouraging any competitive Irish farmers to come down to Zurich’s stand over the course of the Ploughing Championship to see if they have what it takes to be named Ireland’s Fittest Farmer. I’ll be coaching participants through the various activities, such as ‘Hang Tough’, which everyone is welcome to try, and I’m looking forward to once again seeing what Ireland’s farmers are made of!” said Davy.  

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For interested farmers keen on taking part in the Ireland’s Fittest Farmer competition, they are encouraged to visit Zurich’s stand each morning from 10am-12am and from 2pm-4pm. With a full team of farm insurance experts on hand across the three days, visitors will also be able to discuss their farm insurance needs one-on-one and arrange a personalised farm visit. 

Elaine Walsh, Head of Direct Farm Sales, at Zurich, said: “We are delighted to be back at the Ploughing Championships once again this year and look forward to meeting up with old friends and new contacts. We’re excited to welcome farmers from around the country to our stand, where we will be running activities and competitions, as well as being on hand for one-on-one support with farmers.” 

"At Zurich, we’re on a sustainability journey alongside many farmers across Ireland. Supporting farmers every step of the way is a key part of our mission. That's why we're excited to launch a competition at this year's event, where one lucky Irish farmer will win €10,000 to further enhance the sustainability of their farm. Entries for the competition start from the 1st of November.” 

“To enter next month, they simply need to tell us what they have done so far on their farm to improve sustainability, and what they would do with the €10,000.” To find out more about the competition launching on the 1st of November, farmers can visit Zurich’s stand at the Ploughing Championships.