More than 180,000 flock to three-day event

AN estimated 182,000 people attended the 79th national ploughing championships which ended on a high note in Athy, Co Kildare, last evening.

The attendance yesterday was 42,000, with 74,000 on Wednesday and 66,000 on Tuesday, the opening day.

Heavy rain overnight made ground conditions difficult but there was a big response from local farmers who provided alternative sites for parking.