Record numbers attend day one of Ploughing Championships
The organisers of the National Ploughing Championships have said the attendance on the opening day - has been the largest in years.
81,000 people turned out today - in Ratheniska near Stradbally in Co Laois - 29,000 more than the same day last year.
In excess of 200,000 people are expected during the three day event - which was opened earlier by President Michael D Higgins.
"The numbers of people that have been coming in is just phenomenal," said Deputy Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association Anna Marie McHugh.
"I would imagine this is our biggest first day in a long time if not ever."
