70,000 patrons attend final day of Ploughing Championships despite poor weather

Seventy thousand people attended 2022's National Ploughing Championships (NPC) on its final day today (September 22), a source has confirmed. 

According to organisers, almost 280,000 people came through the gates over the course of the three-day event in Ratheniska, Co Laois, with 115,000 yesterday (September 21). 

Although this year's number doesn't break any records, it's a successful return to form after a long absence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Managing Director of the NPC, Anna May McHugh, earlier told reporters she was happy to be back. 

She told reporter Siobhan Donohoe: "It's been wonderful with the support we've gotten all over Ireland and from overseas. Why would I not be happy? After losing three years, people were anxious to get out again and meet each other. And yet there was a nervousness about us, thinking would people come back? We're so delighted on that aspect alone."