After Storm Ali caused the cancellation of day two of the Ploughing, the National Ploughing Association announced that an extra day would be added to the event on Friday. This has attracted strong reaction both online and in the towns and villages around Screggan where exhibitors are staying.
Anna Marie McHugh said the extra date was added due to a mixture of exhibitor feedback and consideration for the general public.
She said if the event was only to go ahead on Thursday the extra crowds made up of those who couldn't attend today would be too large. McHugh said she is not expecting a massive event on Friday, but it would offer the public a chance to attend.
Some livestock exhibitors have expressed concerns over the prospect of an additional day. Many only had arrangements in place for three days and are exploring options to bring livestock home.
John Dolan, who was in attendance with the Vendeen society, said sheep are suffering from a chill and that some animals would be taken home. However, he welcomed the extra day and said it would have been better to give exhibitors Thursday to fix up stands.
Social media
Many exhibitors were frustrated by the lack of updates from the NPA. Replying to the news, Major Equipment wondered when they had been consulted on the extra day as they received no email.
When was it consulted with exhibitors, we didn’t get an email? ?? Also we have a show somewhere else on Friday and staff to fly home tomorrow evening. Where will we stay? Any ideas @NPAIE?
— Major Equipment (@MajorEquipment) September 19, 2018
Managing director of Tipperary Distillery Jennifer Nickerson asked how long should she have sat in the field trying to guess when she might be allowed to check her stand.
What about exhibitors who can't attend on friday? There has been no correspondence with us.
— Jennifer Nickerson (@Jenscapades) September 19, 2018
Also, I left at 3pm today. How long should I have sat in the field, trying to guess when i might be allowed in to check our stand?
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, CTS Technologies said it is packing up and going home as €10,000 in equipment was destroyed. A spokesperson said in the two to three hours on site they received no news on what was happening.
A spokesperson from Liffey Meats said the company was undecided on staying for Friday, citing staffing and accommodation issues.
Ivan Heffernan of Theft Finders also said he could not see himself being able to get the staff or the accommodation necessary to attend on Friday.
SHARING OPTIONS