Clare farmers have completed the first stage of their competition in the National Ploughing Championships which is underway in Co. Laois.
Now in its 84th year, the event is considered the biggest showcase for Irish agriculture – and organisers expect over 200-thousand people to visit the site in Ratheniska between now and Thursday.
Almost 280-thousand people attended last year’s championships in Ratheniska spending over 36 and a half million euro and organisers hope those figures can be matched this year.
Traffic is heavy enroute to the area and Gardaí are asking people travelling there to leave in plenty of time and to drive with care.
There's a strong focus on focus on machinery, food and fashion at this year's event and dozens of TDs and Senators will be in attendance today.
IFA President Eddie Downey says he'll be telling the Government it's time for rural Ireland to feel the recovery.
Six Clare Farmers are taking part in today's ploughing. Eddie Hannon from Ardnacrusha spoke to Clare Fm following the first stage of his competition.
Walter Moroney from the Clare Ploughers Association has been telling us what farmers will be judged on today.
