Chaos and confusion reigned in Tullamore on Wednesday as the National Ploughing Association (NPA) struggled to cope with the damage inflicted by storm Ali. The eventual cancellation of Wednesday’s staging of the event left thousands of people disappointed after travelling from near and far.

By Wednesday evening, there was confirmation that Friday would be added as an extra day. The NPA’s Anna Marie McHugh also asserted that the site would re-open on Thursday.

That said, safety officers and insurers were understood to be still assessing the site to ensure there was no structural damage that could threaten public safety. It is unknown as yet what proportion of exhibitors will be able and willing to commit to an extra day at the event.

Tickets bought for Wednesday will still be valid on Thursday or Friday.

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Storm Ali causes widespread disruption on farms