Every autumn at the Irish Farmers Journal we say that it doesn’t feel like a year has passed since last year’s Ploughing. Well, I’m here to remind you that it’s just around the corner again. So, before the dark nights properly set in and the summer is a distant memory, use the Ploughing as your excuse to take a day off from the grind – whether it be from the farm or the office.

More importantly though, use this Ploughing guide to set you up for a great day in Screggan this 16 to 18 September. Every year brings its own memories.

Memories

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Pink hi-vis jackets, the queue for the O’Neills’ tent and the race to get a good hurley are some core memories for me at the Ploughing down through the years.

On page 14, Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae outline what the annual event means to them.

Europe’s largest outdoor event is about so much more than the commercial trade stands; it’s about the traditional horse ploughing, the conventional and reversible classes, Michael D Higgins giving a speech to the crowds and rural Ireland coming together for three days and taking a sos beag from what’s going on at home. I hope the array of articles and information in this year’s Ploughing supplement inspire you to make the trip to the Faithful County next week. With this guide and our maps in your hand, you won’t go too far wrong.

Election

Last year, the site in Ratheniska was bustling with politicians trying to gain popularity ahead of the general election. This year, ahead of the presidential election, there’s no doubt that potential candidates will be making themselves known again. This could be a good opportunity for you to meet some of the runners and riders in the race before they get their foot inside the door of the Áras.