The National Ploughing Championships 2025 took place this week and ends today. This year, the largest outdoor event in Europe brough huge crowds to Tullamore, Co. Offaly in the Diocese of Meath.
Speaking with The Irish Catholic prior to the event, Fr Derek Darby said the Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan would attend the Ploughing Championships, and that the bishop believes “it not only showcases the best of Irish farming and the invaluable contribution the agricultural sector makes to the fabric of rural Ireland, it contributes to the local economy and provides a meeting point where old friendships are renewed.”
Bishop Deenihan and Bishop Pat Storey, Bishop of Meath and Kildare in the Church of Ireland, blessed the event as it welcomed thousands from across the country.
This year, the diocese didn’t have their own stand, however, there are a number of Church-based organisations present in the event. “The Irish Bishops’ Conference ‘Vocations Stand’ always enjoys the support of the championship’s patrons,” said Fr Darby.
Many religious orders can be found in the Vocations Ireland’s stand. Some of them are the Dominican Sisters, Cabra, the Poor Clares in Cork, the Sisters of Bon Secour and the Grey Friars.
