There was a mix of sunshine and showers on the final day of the 2018 National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore. The extra day did see people turn up in their numbers, but crowds were noticeably smaller compared with Tuesday and Thursday.

Some 61,700 people went through the gates on Friday, bringing the total attendance over the three days to 240,700 people.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrived to the site in the afternoon, and there were also appearances from the minister of state at the Department of Agriculture Andrew Doyle and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.

Leo Varadkar makes his way through the crowds. \ Philip Doyle

In response to a question from the Irish Farmers Journal on the focus on farming in Budget 2019, an Taoiseach said large proportions of taxpayers' money have already been committed to healthcare, housing and public pay restoration, bumping farming down the priority list.

A view of the crowds on Friday. \ Philip Doyle

There was no announcement as to where next year's Ploughing Championships will take place. However, an announcement regarding the venue is expected in the coming weeks.

Googleboxes 'The Tully Brothers' from Cavan with their Dealer caps. \ Philip Doyle

Anna May and Neven Maguire on the Irish Farmers Journal stand. \ Philip Doyle

Tom OMeara, Shane Flynn, Adam Healy, Pat O’Mahony Nenagh, Tipperary. \ Philip Doyle

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar chats with IFA president Joe Healy. \ Donal O' Leary