PICS: National Ploughing Championships Back On Again After Storm Ali Caused Serious Damage

The National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly is back open to the public after being closed over public safety concerns yesterday.

Staff worked through the night to get the site in working order again after Storm Ali caused severe damage to tents and exhibitions.

People were left furious after the opening of the site was delayed for two hours from 9am to 11am yesterday morning, before eventually being cancelled just before 12pm.

The championships will also be open for an extra day tomorrow and anyone with a Wednesday or Thursday wristband can use theirs tomorrow, too.

The event arena will be open for an extra day on Friday. Wristbands from today(Wednesday) will be valid both Thursday and Friday. See you on site #Ploughing18 pic.twitter.com/feOwiT6MR5

— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) September 19, 2018

Visitors can still expect plenty of rain today though and organisers have advised people to bring their wellies and wrap up warm.

Speaking about yesterday's closure, they said, ‘The NPA would like to thank exhibitors & the public for your patience and understanding re. today's site closure following consultations and on the safety advice of the Gardai, Offaly Emergency Services and Met Eireann.’

First look at the site of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in the aftermath of Storm Ali.
Day two cancelled, more updates to come from the site as they happen.#ploughing18 #stormali pic.twitter.com/veDOIg2XRC

— Kilsunny Herd (@Kilsunny_Herd) September 19, 2018

Main image via @Kilsunny_Herd and @NPAIE

READ MORE: PICS: It's Not Over Yet - There's Another Storm (Bronagh) Heading For Ireland And It's Going To Be Worse Than Ali