The organisers of the National Ploughing Championships say the attendance on the opening day has been the largest in years.
81,000 people turned out today, in Ratheniska near Stradbally in Co Laois, 29,000 more than the same day last year.
In excess of 200,000 people are expected during the three day event, which was opened earlier by President Michael D Higgins.
The Ploughing Championships are estimated to be worth €36 million euro to the local economy, with almost 1,400 exhibitors on the site.
Anna Marie McHugh is the Deputy Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association:
