Rugby, football, music—there are countless things that divide people in Irish society, but one of the biggest is whether you’ve ever been to the annual Ploughing Championships. Slick urbanites and jackeens might drop their jaw in bafflement to learn that this is one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, with preparations well underway in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, for an event that will dwarf the Electric Picnic. 

Held every September, the event draws over 1,700 exhibitors and had 277,000 visitors in 2022. For the first time ever Fórsa will have a stand at the event.  

What started off as a contest where participants plough parts of a field has become famed for showcasing an incredible array of high end, cutting edge agricultural machinery, prize animals and bombastic business marquees hawking their wares. For kids (and maybe some of the adults amongst ye…)  it’s also a chance to run around hoarding bags full of pens and stationery to get them through the school year.  

Speaking about why the union will be at the ploughing this year Fórsa President Martin Walsh said: “Our union stands up for workers across this island, no matter where they live and work. It’s really important that we’re present at the Ploughing Championships to meet members and sign-up new members. Better public services, good work-life balance, equality, and fair wages affect us all.”

Grace Williams, Fórsa’s head of campaigns, said: “The 2023 National Teagasc Farm Survey revealed that 60% of farm households had off-farm employment, with 42% of farmers themselves working off the farm. So, while some politicians may emphasise the urban-rural divide, in reality PAYE workers and small farmers are one and the same these days. False dichotomies about the rural/urban divide are out of step with how people’s lives are shaped. Trade unions see a shared interest among all working people.”

Sean McElhinney, the union’s director of membership, sees the event as an opportunity to do some practical organising on site and map out various workplaces. 

“Our plan is to get down there and make our presence felt. We’ll already have members working at various stalls for government bodies and community organisations, so come over and talk to us – don’t be a stranger. We're in the Education & Business tent at stand number seven. If you’re down there and thinking of joining the union, then come and chat. We’ll be bringing a van full of Fórsa merchandise and materials with us, so drop-by if you get a chance and take some things back for your workmates.” 

The National Ploughing Championships will return to Ratheniska for the third successive year and is set to take place on September 17th, 18th, and 19th. Fórsa will be at stand number seven in the Education and Business Hub. 

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