On Tuesday, 17 September, President Higgins formally opened the 92nd National Ploughing Championships, taking place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Since his inauguration in 2011, the President has attended the Ploughing Championships each year and he has described the festival as “an outstanding example of the Irish genius” and “the most beloved rendez-vous in Ireland’s rural calendar.”
In early 2018, the President and Sabina Higgins further illustrated the links between the President and the National Ploughing Championships, by unveiling an art installation that brings together the festival and a cultural icon of the State’s foundation. See details here.