The National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly, concluded its three-day run on Thursday, drawing massive crowds and showcasing a blend of agricultural tradition and modern innovation. Among the participants was 21-year-old Jack Wright from Magherafelt, who has been passionate about ploughing since the age of 13. His father, David Wright, serves as one of the event’s judges, making it a true family affair. Jack, who competed on Tuesday and secured fourth place in his class, emphasized the importance of practice and preparation. ‘There’s no point being nervous about it; you just go and try your hardest,’ he advised. The event, which spanned over 700 acres, attracted up to 300,000 visitors over the three days, surpassing last year’s attendance of 250,000. Attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring ploughing and livestock competitions, music and dance performances, fashion shows, craft demonstrations, and a food fair. Irish President Michael D Higgins officially opened the championships, highlighting its significance in promoting agriculture and rural heritage. The event also included the ‘Machine of the Year’ competition and showcased millions of euros worth of agricultural machinery. This year’s championships followed the 70th World Ploughing Championships held earlier in Prague, cementing its status as a premier agricultural event.