National Ploughing Championships 2024
The 93rd National Ploughing Championships, held in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, was a resounding success, drawing nearly 300,000 visitors over its three days, making it one of Europe’s largest outdoor events of the year. The crowd far exceeded the numbers seen at the nearby Electric Picnic festival in Stradbally just weeks earlier.
The event offered much more than its signature ploughing competitions. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including daily welly-throwing contests, pony club games, funfairs, artisan food stalls, live music, dancing, fashion shows, sheep-shearing, baking contests, and displays of cutting-edge technology and machinery. Nearly 2,000 stalls provided ongoing discussions, demonstrations, and interactive experiences, ensuring there was something for everyone.
An Garda Síochána had a prominent presence at the event, using the opportunity to promote their BikeSafe initiative. This program aims to enhance motorcycle safety through a workshop and a rider out assessments conducted by advanced Garda motorcyclists. The assessments focus on improving riders’ hazard awareness, control, and positioning, with the goal of reducing motorcycle-related collisions and promoting safer riding on Ireland’s roads.
A major highlight of the Garda stand was the unveiling of the new BMW M1000R motorcycle, which, although not operational, was a show bike designed to be displayed at events like the Ploughing Championships. The bike’s impressive specs – including a 999cc engine that produces 210 horsepower – captivated visitors with a stop speed of 280km/h. Its advanced design and high-performance capabilities drew significant attention, making it one of the standout attractions at the Garda stand.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris made a special visit to the stand, where he was introduced to the new BMW M1000R by Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman. Garda Mirel Basic gave a quick rundown of the bike’s features and highlighted how much attention it had received during the first two days of the event. Commissioner Harris was impressed by the motorcycle and the enthusiasm it had generated among attendees, further underscoring the Garda’s commitment to road safety and community engagement.
The combination of the BikeSafe initiative and the unveiling of the BMW M1000R left a strong impression on visitors, promoting both motorcycle safety and showcasing the Garda’s use of cutting-edge equipment. The National Ploughing Championships once again proved to be a vital gathering that brought together interests from agriculture, technology, and public safety, securing its place as one of the most significant annual events in Ireland and Europe.
