10 Things That Will Help Townies Blend In At The National Ploughing Championships
The National Ploughing Championships is a celebration of country life but townies can blend in with the rural crowd
The National Ploughing Championships is a three day celebration of country life that will attract close to 300,000 to Screggan just outside Tullamore this week.
However it is possible for townies to blend in with the rural crowd if they take the following advice.
1 - If you are travelling to theNational Ploughing Championships in a jeep or an SUV, make sure it's not clean. Ideally you should stick some straw in the wheel wells and drive through a field before you get there.
2 - Do not wear colourful wellies. Keep them for the Electric Picnic. Ideally all wellies should be black but you can get away with dark green. CATs will work also.
3 - Denim is always a good choice but wear a cheque shirt and you will blend in perfectly.
4 - If you overhear someone talking about New Holland, don't ask them how their holidays went.
5 - If a salesman tries to convince you to buy a tractor fold your arms and nod knowingly. When he finishes speaking and is waiting for your response, if the tractor is red say, "I think I'll stick with the Ford." If the tractor is blue say, "I think I'll stick with the Massey." If the tractor is any other colour, either response will do.
6 - If you get stuck talking to a rural type you don't know, the weather is always a good fall back or if you feel really adventurous go with, "the evenings are bet."
7 - If you see lads and ladies pulling metal things behind a tractor who look like they are digging up a field for no reason, you've strayed into the actual ploughing.
8 - If you see a line of farmers outside a tent, get into it quickly. Farmerscan spot a freebie from a different county.
9 - If you see a tall lad with a stick in his hand and possibly a maroon jersey and you are wondering why people are taking endless selfies with him, that's probably Joe Canning. He's from the west and plays the GAA.
10 - If it starts to rain do not under any circumstances put up an umbrella. That's a sign of weakness. Just put up your collar, put your hands in your pockets and say to anyone you pass with a nod of the head, "soft day."
(Source – Donegal Democrat – Damian Moran – 19/09/2017)
10 Tips To Help You Enjoy Your Day At The National Ploughing Championships
It's the little things that help you and your family enjoy your day at the National Ploughing Championships
1 – Turn off your sat nav. All the routes from every corner of the country have been well mapped out so just follow the signs and follow the crowds.
2 – Have the car well stocked with food and drinks for you and anyone else in the vehicle as there may be delays. However the traffic plan worked well last year so hopefully any delays will be at a minimum
3 – Remember where you park your car. All the car parks are colour and animal coded. There's nothing worse at the end of a long day than not being able to find your vehicle.
4 – Wear suitable footwear. The site has miles and miles of walkways but it is most certainly not the place for uncomfortable shoes. It might be an idea to pack the wellies altogether
5 - Prepare for any weather. While the weather forecast might predict a dry day (or not), this is Ireland in September. Rain is never very far away.
6 – If you are bringing children make sure to fill out the FBD ‘Keeping You Safe’ wristbands. With over 100,000 people on site, it could be very difficult to find them otherwise if they stray..... and trust me, if they are anything like my children, they will try their level best to do so
7 – Getting there early is always a good idea.
8 – Leave the family pets at home. Guide dogs of course are welcome but the Ploughing is no place to be dragging around your pooch on a leash.
9 – Keep your site map close by or you might end up passing the same stands 100 times.
10 - There is so much to see and do with more than1600 different stalls over 183 acres so take your time and enjoy your day.
(Source – Donegal Democrat – Damian Moran – 19/09/2017)
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