Economic boost for Tullamore as it will host 2025 Ploughing Championships

Christmas came early for Tullamore when it was announced that Offaly's county town would be the host venue of the National Ploughing Championships in September.

The National Ploughing Association confirmed this week that the landmark event would be returning to Screggan, Tullamore, on September 16-18 next.

The Ploughing was held on the same farm in 2016, 2017, and 2018, hosted by the late Joe Grogan.

His wife, Lisa Flaherty Grogan, will host the 2025 event, with additional lands being made available for ploughing and parking from many neighbouring farmers.

The three-day gathering is set to bring millions of euro into the local economy, mainly through the hospitality industry, but also utilising many local services in order to build an event that requires upwards of 700 acres.

The Ploughing has been held in Ratheniska, Laois, in recent years and the National Ploughing Association said it was excited to be going back to Offaly in 2025.

Managing Director Anna May McHugh said: "There will be many of the old favourite elements to the programme but also some new attractions in 2025."

The venue announcement was made in the Tullamore Court Hotel and attended by members of the NPA Executive Committee, Landowners, Cathaoirleach, County Manager, Gardai and members of Offaly Ploughing.

The National Ploughing Championships is regarded as Europe's largest outdoor event, and drew a record attendance of 297,000 visitors over the three days of the championships in 2019.