National Ploughing Championships in
the Capital of Culture

The village of Mogeely in County Cork played host to this year's National Ploughing Championships from 27-29 September and in excess of 180,000 visitors attended the show over the three days, including President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

ESB Networks once again had a marquee and outdoor display area, giving prominence to its brand at what has become Europe's largest agri business event. Staff were kept busy providing information to customers and dealing with queries, with many customers taking the opportunity to discuss technical, safety and business issues. Meeting landowners at the show provides the ideal opportunity for ESB Networks to foster and enhance its good relationship with the farming community, something which is vital for ensuring ease of access to private land for repairs and new works.

Within the marquee, Networks' co-operation during 2005 with the Health and Safety Authority was very much in evidence through the jointly branded agricultural safety posters on display. ESB Networks' 2005 initiative with Agri Aware was also highlighted with a display of the ten winning entries from the recent schools competition.

Among the notable visitors who viewed the outdoor displays were farming leaders from all the major farming organisations. The Networks team from Fermoy of Denis O'Donoghue, Pat McNamara, John Mannix, and John Courtney on PA demonstrated live line working twice daily, showcasing the work carried out by ESB Networks' crews on a daily basis throughout the country. Commenting on the event, Jerry O' Sullivan, Head of Network Services, praised the work of all the staff involved in the exhibition. "The National Ploughing Championships gives ESB Networks the opportunity to interact with one of our key stakeholder groups. The spirit of co-operation between ESB Networks and the rural community has allowed the Irish electricity network operate and grow. The network renewal programme currently underway relies on that same co-operation".

Next year the National Ploughing Championships celebrates 75 years and plays host to the world Ploughing Championships in Grangeford, Tullow, Co. Carlow, so an even bigger and better event is already in planning.