On Tuesday, 17 September, President Higgins formally opened the 88th National Ploughing Championships, taking place in Ballintrane, Co. Carlow.
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.”
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You can read, or listen to, the President's speeches at the Ploughing Championships of previous years here:
* Speech at the 2018 National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Co. Offaly
* Speech at the 2017 National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Co. Offaly
* Speech at the 2016 National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Co. Offaly
* Speech at the 2015 National Ploughing Championships, Ratheniska, Co. Laois
* Speech at the 2014 National Ploughing Championships, Stradbally, Co. Laois
In early 2018, 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.
