I am hearing the NPA is on the scout to secure a site for the Ploughing once it moves on from Carlow.

It is understood managing director Anna May McHugh has sent out letters to some farmers and is close to doing a deal with a farmer in Offaly to secure a site for the medium to long term.

While the NPA is thought to be looking at leasing the farm, it has been suggested before that the NPA might consider buying a permanent site to host the outdoor event.

With €10m in the bank, it could certainly afford a decent-sized farm.

With the World Ploughing coming in 2021, the NPA and the general secretary of the World Ploughing, Anna Marie McHugh, has only two years to secure a site and make plans for what is expected to be a four-day event.