Contest ‘an example of Irish genius’

An outstanding example of the Irish genius was how President Michael D Higgins described the National Ploughing Championships.

Officially opening the 81st contest, the President described that genius as a unique ability to maintain tradition.

He said what he admired most about the event, being held in Co Wexford the 10th time, was that it was based on an old tradition but had grown in scale and relevance over the years.

He said the massive attendances and the professional management of the championships was something that emphasised the special place that the land and its care, and every aspect of rural Ireland, had in our hearts and our history.

“In recent years, it has been a powerful reminder of what is real and what is possible,” he said.

“The authentic nature of work, product, and skill as part of real economy is for us a bedrock, as the chimera of speculative gains and its destructive consequences are put behind us.”

President Higgins said agriculture was a very important part of our economy and way of life. Visitors from home and abroad could see the best the country’s agri-food sector had to offer.

“The sector is playing a very important role in Ireland’s export-led economy by producing the highest quality food and beverages to the highest standards possible,” he said.