Ploughing conditions were excellent on Day One of the 2026 National Championships, which all made for a very fair day of competition.

And this despite there being heavy rains showers on the previous evening.

All the sites at Screggan in Co. Offaly feature sandy soils which, according to the plough men and women taking part, provide a fair challenge for all competitors.

The first day of classes traditionally provides young competitors with an opportunity to profile their abilities.

And according to the judges in attendance, the standards achieved across the entire day of competition were truly excellent.

Competition ploughing is enjoying a renaissance at the present time.

And this dimension to the sport is best reflected in the number of young people taking part in competition events the length and breadth of the country.

Significantly, large numbers of the general public turned up to see the competition classes unfold on Day One of the National Championships.

Thos taking part over the three days of the 2026 event have taken part in numerous qualifying competitions held across every county in Ireland over recent weeks

Meanwhile, at an international level, Irish ploughing enthusiasts continue to compete at the highest level.

And this momentum looks set to be maintained, given the standard of ploughing already on display at Screggan this week.

For members of the general public, a highlight of the National Championships is the myriad horse ploughing classes, which feature across the three days of competition scheduled for Screggan.

The good news here is that pairs of horses from across Ireland have been brough to the Co. Offaly site to go through their paces. It truly is a majestic sight.

Ploughing Results: Day One

Intermediate Conventional Plough Class

1st: John Murphy; Carlow

2nd: Lee Simms: Donegal

Intermediate Reversible Plough Class

1st: Dermot Ryan; Offaly

2nd: Enda Kelly; Offaly

National Novice Conventional Senior Plough Class

1st^: Leonard Deane; Cork West

2nd: Stephen Cotterell; Kilkenny

National Novice Reversible Plough Class

1st: Charlie Bracken; Offaly

2nd: Conor Halley; Tipperary South

Under 23 Reversible Plough Class

1st: Laoise O’Driscoll; Cork West

2nd: John Bracken; Offaly

Under 28 Reversible Plough Class

1st: Stephen Whelan; Wexford

2nd: Florence Wycherley; Cork West

U40 Horse Plough Class

1st: Eoin Hand; Monaghan

2nd: Jeremiah Delaney; Cork East

Under 21 Conventional Junior Plough Class

1st: Lee Hogan; Tipperary North

2nd: James Mahon; Offaly

Under 21 Conventional Senior Plough Class

1st: DJ Donnelly; Wexford

2nd: Ciaran Kavanagh; Wexford

Under 28 Conventional Junior Plough Class

1st: Daniel Haughy; Longford

2nd: Shane Duffy,; Mayo

Under 28 Conventional Junior Plough Class

1st: David Grattan; Down

2nd: Tommy Pierce; Wicklow