There's been a change of plan since host status was removed from Russia.
The World Ploughing Contest is officially coming to the midlands this year.
The National Ploughing Association has confirmed this news this evening, describing it as a "tremendous honour".
The 67th edition of international competition will coincide with the National Ploughing Championships, which return to Ratheniska in Laois from September 20th to 22nd.
The organisers aren't left with much prep time though. Russia was due to host this year's event but had host status removed in light of the invasion of Ukraine.
World Ploughing Organisation General Secretary, Laois' Anna Marie McHugh says;
“I am delighted today to announce that twenty-five countries from all over the globe from Africa to Australia will be participating in this year’s World Ploughing Contest in Ireland.
"The very best international ploughing competitors and their teams will be battling it out on Irish soil in September to become supreme World Champions.”
Great excitement as the @World_Ploughing will come to Laois for the first time on Sept 21st & 22nd to run in conjunction with #Ploughing2022 (Sept 20th - 22nd) with crowds of hundreds of thousands and over 1,700 exhibitors @FieldaysNZ @AusEmbIre @IrlEmbKenya @BradBurgessNZ https://t.co/VIm2MgnGB5
— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) April 6, 2022
The call came from the World Ploughing Board ‘could another country step up and host the 2022 World Contest’ following the unprecedented cancellation of the event, which had been due to take place this year in Russia.
Over the last couple of weeks, many meetings have taken place and the final decision was ratified today by NPA and the World Ploughing Organization.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend on Laois for the ever-popular event, along with 1,700 exhibitors.
To plan for your National Ploughing Championships experience and journey, visit npa.ie.
The NPA team can be contacted on 059 8625125 or email info@npa.ie.
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