Horse ploughing took centre stage on Day 2 of the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan in Co Offaly.

Twelve pairs of these truly prestige animals took part in a range of competition classes scheduled for one of the most picturesque locations in Ireland.

The number of competitors is well up on previous years.

Ground conditions have remained excellent, a factor of particular significance given that the horses traditionally plough out of grass, not stubble.

As was the case on Day 1 of the Championships, all the competition classes scheduled for the middle day of the event attracted large numbers of the general public, all keen to see how Ireland’s most traditional farming activity is played out in real time.

Also drawing large attendances at Screggan this year have been the group of enthusiasts taking part in the loy digging classes.

Long before the advent of ploughing, loys were used across the island of Ireland to prepare ground for the planting of crops.

In essence, a loy is an early Irish spade with a long heavy handle made of ash, a narrow steel plate on the face and a single footrest.

The practice of digging with loys had almost died out until a group of enthusiast revived what is a unique art form, which reflects the very heart and soul of Ireland’s farming history.

It has been estimated that seven people can dig an acre of ground per day using loys.

Day 3 at Screggan will see the selection of the team that will represent Ireland at the 2027 World Ploughing Championships, taking pace in Kenya.

So a frenetic day of ploughing activity is in the offing.

Ploughing Competition Results: Day 2

Five Nations Conventional

1st: Lorcan Bergin; Republic of Ireland

2nd: James George; Wales

Five Nations Reversible

1st: Jack Wright; Northern Ireland

2nd: Euron Owen Griffith; Wales

Farmerette Conventional Plough Class

1st: Ellwn Nyhan; Cork West

2nd: Ailish Osborne; Kildare

National Novice Conventional Intermediate Plough Class

1st: Tamzin Friel; Donegal

2nd: Mark Doran; Dublin

National Novice Conventional Junior Plough Class

1st: Lorcan Deery; Monaghan

2nd: Michael Grimes; Mayo

Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted Plough Class

1st: Ray Clancy; Tipperary North

2nd: Alan Simms; Donegal

Vintage Single Furrow Mounted Plough Class

1st: Trevor Fleming; Cork East

2nd: Gordan Jennings; Cork West

Vintage Single Furrow Pedestrian Plough Class

1st: Gavan Duffy; Meath

2nd: Joe Kehoe; Wexford