Over 97,000 people attended the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly on Tuesday, and among the masses were presidential hopefuls, Gavin Duffy, Seán Gallagher and Joan Freeman.

Each were keen to highlight their rural roots at this year’s Ploughing and gave us an overview on some of their thoughts on issues affecting the farming community.

Gavin Duffy

Duffy is a familiar face to many farmers, being the face of one of the dragons on RTÉ’s Dragon’s Den. A businessman with firm farming roots, he raised concerns over the potential effect of Brexit on Irish farmers.

“I would read the poll to say that farmers are very concerned that it is possible that the United Kingdom might crash out of the EU,” Duffy told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“What we cannot overlook is that the United Kingdom is still our biggest export market, particularly for our agri-sector, so it is very worrying times.

“And as someone who lives close to the border, I’m very concerned about how this is going to resolve itself and at this stage no one is seeing a resolution.”

Sean Gallagher

Businessman Sean Gallagher is no stranger to the presidential race, having lost out on his bid for election in 2011.

However, he was a popular figure at the Ploughing with a constant following.

“I’ve been here many times, I think it’s a fantastic event, I think it’s the heartbeat of Ireland and particularly of rural Ireland,” Gallagher said.

“I think when we look to the future of Ireland, this is one of our key strengths and I have such confidence in the people of Ireland and the people of rural Ireland.”

Senator Joan Freeman

Senator Freeman was previously head of Pieta House and has a long-standing history with the IFA.

“A few years ago, I would have set the IFA helpline for farmers. I thought the situation was bad then but talking to the experts here today it hasn’t got much better, especially after a hot, difficult summer,” Freeman said.

When asked what people could do to help combat mental health problems arising from a tough 2018 she encouraged friends and family to support anyone they thought was in difficulty.

“I’d advise the people around the farmers to be alert and to support their friends or family if they feel they’re struggling.”

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Watch and listen: President Higgins gets political at the Ploughing