Storm forces cancellation of day two of ploughing championships 

Storm Ali swept through the Midlands this morning (Wednesday) with strong and gusty winds forcing the cancellation of day two of the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore. 

The opening time of the event was initially pushed back to 12 noon as a result of the status orange wind warning, but shortly before noon the news broke that the event was being cancelled for today. 

In a press statement issued at 12.24pm, Anna May McHugh, the managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), said she deeply regretted the inconvenience caused to the tens of thousands of people who had been planning to attend the event today. 

"It is with deep regret that due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Ali, and following  lengthy consultations with the Gardai, Offaly Emergency Services and Met Eireann, and on their advisement, it was determined that the site was unsafe to open. 

"As a result today’s National Ploughing Championships will have to be postponed as public safety is of paramount importance to all at NPA.  

"Once the winds have abated today, remedial works will continue in earnest to have the site up and operational for tomorrow’s event."

Mrs McHugh thanked the public for their "patience and understanding" and said all tickets purchased for today can be redeemed tomorrow.