The scene is set for the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association’s 72nd International Ploughing Championships, which is returning to Balmoral Park on October 9-10.

Growing on the success of its debut at Balmoral Park last year, preparations are well underway to make 2015 even bigger and better. The NIPA’s annual event provides a platform for over 50 qualified competitors from NI and ROI to compete in many different classes including: World Style Conventional and Reversible, Vintage, Horse, Horse Style and Appearance and Ladies.

With the new Eikon Exhibition Centre as the backdrop and acres of fertile neighbouring land to plough, excitement and anticipation is building. William King NIPA President, thanked the local landowners saying: “we are indebted to Dr. Helen Fullerton, Kay Magill and Mr and Mrs T Thompson for kindly allowing us to use their land. This gesture allows the event to grow and offers us the perfect location to showcase our competitors’ talents as they compete for various titles”.

An exciting schedule of events has been organised to enthral the crowds and prove a fantastic family day out. From Sheep Dog Trials to a Clydesdale Horse Show, visitors have plenty to see and do. In addition to machinery displays, bouncy castle and 4x4 dirt tracks, there is lots going on to keep the whole family entertained. With Under 12s going free as well as free car parking, Balmoral Park is the place to be this October. The two-day event is an opportunity to see top ploughmen displaying their skills for the honour of being crowned a Northern Ireland Champion and representing their country on European and World stages. The announcement of Farm Madness, an agri themed mud run at the International Ploughing Championships, has stirred excitement, with teams rushing to sign up to raise money for Marie Curie. A 5km track around the Ploughmen, will see mud runners clamouring around, over and through mucky obstacles as they tackle sheep pen chicanes and round bale obstacles.

RUAS operations director Rhonda Geary commented: “The RUAS are delighted, for the second year, to welcome the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association’s International Ploughing Championships to Balmoral Park. The Society staff are very pleased to be working with the NIPA team, building on the great work of last year and producing and promoting this excellent event that we are sure will attract more and more visitors each year”.

Wilson Holden, NIPA Chairman, concluded: “As well as fantastic ploughing competitions, we have worked hard to bring the public an exciting programme of events over the two days. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages and with children under 12 going free, our annual event will be a great day out for all the family”.

The NI Ploughing Championships Open Sheep Dog Trials are also coming to Balmoral Park on the Saturday, October 10. The sheep dog trials will be a spectacle for the crowd as they watch the handlers and dogs masterfully herd sheep around obstacles and into a pen.

The event will have the first 50 pre-entered dogs running, with up to three dogs per handler. Entries to the event will qualify for open points. To enter and for more information please ring Dean McAuley on 07860567169.