Zurich Insurance has announced the return of the Ireland’s Fittest Farmer competition at the National Ploughing Championships.

This year will see a change in the format of the popular event as Ireland’s Fittest Farming Pair, alongside the launch of a brand-new challenge: Ireland’s Fittest Sports Club.

With a combined prize fund of €7,500, both competitions are free to enter and will take place across the three days at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, from September 16-18.

This year’s competitions will again be overseen by Ireland’s Fittest Family coach and GAA star Davy Fitzgerald.

Farmers and sports clubs from across the country will compete for the title of Ireland’s Fittest, with open time slots also available for any visitors to Zurich’s stand to take on the popular Hang Tough Challenge.

Davy Fitzgerald, Ireland’s Fittest Family coach, and manager of the Antrim senior hurling team, said he was delighted to be back overseeing the Ireland’s Fittest Farmer competition.

"I’m especially excited about the new competition for sports clubs across Ireland. I encourage clubs to get involved, wear their club colours proudly, and show us what they’re made of,” he said.

The ‘Ireland’s Fittest Sports Club’ competition invites clubs to send two representatives to take on the unique fitness challenge.

One member “hangs tough” while the other performs step-ups. The longer the first member can hang, the more time for step-ups. The club with the most step-ups wins €5,000.

Clubs can enter by emailing [email protected] with the name of their club and the two representatives to take part. Entries close September 7 at 6:00p.m.

The Fittest Farming Pair challenge will follow the same format as the club competition. There will be €2,500 presented to the winning duo.

To enter, email your details to [email protected]. Participants will be randomly selected on September 8.

In addition to the competitions, Zurich’s stand, located at Block 3, Row 8, Stand 184, will host a full team of farm insurance, life and pensions experts, available for one-on-one consultations throughout the course of the three days.

Elaine Walsh, head of direct farm sales, at Zurich, said this will be the company's biggest presence yet at the National Ploughing Championships.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the farming and sporting communities we proudly support," she said.