Championships plough their way to Lisburn

David Gill & David Graham, NIPA Events Co-ordinators with David Laidlaw, RUAS; Councillor Luke Poots and Councillor James Baird at the announcement that the 71st NI International Ploughing Championships will take place at Balmoral Park.

The 71st Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships on October 17 and 18 will showcase over 50 qualified competitors from NI and ROI competing in seven different classes: World Style Conventional, World Style Reversible, Vintage Class, Horse Class, Horse Style & Appearance Class, Young Farmers Class & Ladies Class.

The Ploughing Championships will be an ideal meeting place for anyone involved in the agricultural industry and their families to see top ploughmen show off their skills for the honour of being crowned a Northern Ireland Champion and representing their country on European and World stages.

This year the event will include trade exhibits, Young Farmers Club competitions, plus many attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

For the first time the event will be assisted by RUAS.

Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA) Chairman Wilson Holden said: “This is a new venture for the NIPA and we are pleased to have support of the RUAS.

“It is a massive step for our organisation. I suppose to put into a ploughman’s perspective we are turning new ground and we don’t know what lies beneath the furrow, but with any new venture we may find the odd stone or two but we will remove them, keep cool and go straight ahead.”

He added: “We are pleased to be hosting the event at Balmoral Park. This site has the potential to become one of Europe’s leading outdoor exhibition centres which will encourage spectators and exhibitors from all over the UK and Ireland. This will provide a fantastic opportunity for competitors and exhibitors in what will become a showcase for the agricultural industry.”

Councillor Luke Poots said: “Lisburn City Council will be doing all they can to help and support the NIPA event at Balmoral Park. NIPA is a great organisation and has offered its services for 70 years, I know our Economic Development Committee are thrilled and have a keen interest to see them at the Balmoral Park.”

William King, NIPA President commented, “This year we aim to offer much more to our audience including demonstration ground for exhibitors, allowing them to show off their latest equipment and working vintage displays. As well as the use of Balmoral Park, we have access to an additional 50 acres ploughing ground adjacent to the venue.”

Further details about the event are available on www.niploughing.com or visit the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association Facebook page for more information.