Laois is all set to become the rural capital of Ireland next week as Ratheniska will host the National Ploughing Championships for the third year in a row.

This year, Irish TV on Sky 191 is planning the most comprehensive and extensive coverage of this great rural festival.

Pierce O’Reilly, CEO of the Westport-based station, says they are committing major resources to the huge event and will broadcast for an unprecedented seven and a half hours live from the event each day.

“This will be our biggest undertaking to date and we aim to provide the best showcase possible for an industry that plays such a huge role in Ireland,” says Pierce.

“We will have a number of teams in operation, out and about among the crowds on all three days, bringing a flavour of what this massive occasion means to so many people.

“We will be on air from 11am to 6.30pm daily. We have a host of shows planned, with the first three hours featuring interviews from around the grounds, meeting the people and sampling the atmosphere.

“Between 2pm and 3pm, we will be focusing on the actual ploughing fields and keeping up to date with the events out there. We will launch our new farming show, Grassroots, between 3pm and 5pm.”

Entertainment

“Entertainment will be the focus between 5pm and 6pm, with Malachi Cush chatting to some of the guest artists at the show, with many of them performing live. The last half an hour will see us announce all the results as they come in from the various competitions, something that has never been done before,” adds Pierce.

There will be an abundance of music at the Ploughing Championships this year and among those who will entertain on the band stand are Geraldine and Kinfolk, The Vard Sisters, Philip English, The Duets, Na Fianna, Michael Sexton, Tommy Stenson (Sean Nós), Hillbilly Porter, Laurence Campion, Midlands Prison Choir, Laois ICA Choir, Ratheniska CCE, Goitse, and various groups of dancers.

The Bachelors in Trouble from Co Waterford have become an integral part of the Ploughing over the last two decades. Earlier this month they released their new 18-track album, The Old Generation, in Crotty’s Inn, Leamybrien. Their dvds are always in special demand. Tony Coffey, Sean Murphy and William Walsh always have a welcome on the mat for all callers.

Richie Kavanagh

The popular YouTube man Richie Kavanagh is ready to rock ’n’ roll in his own inimitable fashion. Richie also has a brand new album ready for the Ploughing and, no doubt, Chicken Talk, will get a few airings in Ratheniska.

Seamus Moore will be performing at his own tent over the three days and always attracts a major crowd.

He will be joined by various guests including Michael Sexton from Clare who will do a spot on the Thursday show.

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All about Ploughing 2015