With less than 24 hours to go before the 2014 National Ploughing Championships, the site in Ratheniska, Laois is a frenzy of activity.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal this afternoon, director with the National Ploughing Association Anna Marie McHugh said the preparation for this year’s event has been “perfect”.

“It has gone as well as it could possibly have,” McHugh said. “We’ve had the most perfect weather up to this. We didn’t have to close the site at any stage, it has worked out really well,” McHugh added.

The country has enjoyed one of the driest starts to September for many years with only a shattering of heavy showers landing in the past week. McHugh is not concerned by the rainfall.

“We’ve only had a few showers over the past week so we can’t complain. Some of them were heavy but nothing major. The site is looking brilliant at the minute. All the exhibitors are here now just putting on the finishing touches. The weather is good for the week too. The advice would be to wear your good shoes but bring a raincoat just in case!”

The 2014 National Ploughing Championships take place this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Ratheniska, Laois. Stayed tuned to www.farmersjournal.ie/ploughingfor up to the minute news from the site.