Ireland’s first ever tractor football matches are to take place at this year’s National Ploughing Championships and it’s just one of the new offerings at this year’s event.

A charity calves auction and the Machine of the Year competition will also all be new to this year’s Ploughing, the National Ploughing Association (NPA) announced at the recent launch of the Ploughing’s promotional brochure.

This year’s Ploughing takes place from September 20-22 in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The National Ploughing Association Chairman PJ Lynam said there will be an array of new exhibitors as well as hundreds of outstanding veteran companies showcasing their products and services in dynamic ways.

This year’s event will also have a 4 x 4 off-road Volkswagen Amarok V 6 driving experience with experts to guide you through this skilled challenge.

“The very latest models in agricultural machinery will be on display, prizewinning animals, a Forestry Village, Food Fayre, an International Business Centre in the Innovation Arena and an extended Local Enterprise Village with over 80 exhibitors as well as National Baking Competitions, Garden Displays, Fashion Shows and many topical seminars.”

Susan Maher, Agri Development Manager with Bank of Ireland’s agri team in the south-east said that the bank is delighted to once again sponsor the National Ploughing Championships which is the milestone event for the development and promotion of the agri-sector each year.

“As the largest lender to the Irish economy, and the bank which is providing more than 50% of new lending to the agri-sector, Bank of Ireland continues to support ambitious farmers looking to expand and grow their business.

“We will have a strong presence down at the Championships and I’d like to wish everybody the best of luck with the event.”