Ratheniska confirmed as Ploughing 2013 venue

Almost 400 people attended the National Ploughing Association’s formal unveiling of Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co Laois, as the host venue for the 2013 National Ploughing Championships on Sept 24, 25 and 26 next, bridging a 70-year gap since the event was last held in the area.

The launch took place in Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, Emo, Co Laois. David Carter and his family will be the main landowners with many neighbouring farmers providing ploughing and parking ground to meet the requirement of 700 acres for this huge National and International Event.

The economic impact of the Ploughing Championships in 2011 was a staggering €36m. Early indications suggest that this central Laois location just off the N80 and M7 will draw an even bigger attendance than this year’s 187,000.