Dry spell a boost for ploughing preparations

THE arrival of Indian summer weather has boosted preparations for the 77th national ploughing championships which Tánaiste Mary Coughlan will officially open at Farmley, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, at noon tomorrow.

Sunshine in the past few days has helped to dry out the sprawling 600-acre site after the heavy rainfall of recent weeks, with the result that everything is now ready for the annual three-day pageant of rural life.

Met Éireann is forecasting a continuation of the fine settled weather, with further sunny spells over the coming days, but wellies and strong boots remain the recommended footwear for people coming to the “tented town” that has been erected on the site.