Some 78,500 people descended on Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, for the first day of the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday.

All three presidential candidates, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste were in attendance for what is Ireland's largest outdoor agricultural event.

Michael Geraghty, Newtown, Kileigh, Co Offaly, was one of the first through the gates at the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan. \ Donal O'Leary

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President Michael D Higgins officially opens the 2025 National Ploughing Championships in Screggan. \ Claire Nash

Caroline O'Driscoll competing in the horse plough class for the first time. \ Claire Nash

Jerry from Kerry with his two horses. \ Claire Nash

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly. \ Philip Doyle

Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin. \ Philip Doyle

Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys.\ Philip Doyle

The Irish Farmers Journal stand at the National Ploughing Championships 2025. \ Philip Doyle

NPA managing director Anna May McHugh at day one of Ploughing 2025. \ Claire Nash

Tullamore Farm manager Shaun Diver explains the sheep enterprise on the farm on the Irish Farmers Journal stand. \ Philip Doyle

Big crowds attended the plethora of Irish Farmers Journal talks and panel discussions. \ Philip Doyle