ROBODOG, ‘TRAITORS’ COSPLAY AND A ‘FLIPPING’ SCARE — THE UNEXPECTED MOMENTS AT IRELAND’S PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

MORE THAN 91,000 VISITORS TURNED OUT FOR DAY TWO — BUT IT WASN’T JUST FARM MACHINERY STEALING THE SHOW

The second day of Ireland’s National Ploughing Championships delivered plenty of surprises as more than 91,000 visitors descended on Screggan in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Alongside huge agricultural machinery displays and livestock showcases, visitors encountered everything from a dancing robotic dog to The Traitors Ireland cosplay — and one particularly terrifying road-safety experience.

THE ROBOTS WERE A BIG HIT

Among the most futuristic attractions was robot Harvey, alongside a four-legged robotic dog that entertained crowds.

Aine Myler, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said the robots were being used to demonstrate how engineering could shape the future.

She said robotics could have applications in areas including healthcare and agriculture, while also helping capture the imagination of younger visitors.

Robot Harvey even shook hands with the Taoiseach during the event.

VISITORS STEPPED INTO ‘THE TRAITORS’

Fans of RTÉ’s The Traitors Ireland were also given the chance to experience the show for themselves.

At the RTÉ tent, visitors could put on the programme’s famous emerald-green cloaks, pose for photographs and pretend to be Traitors.

RTÉ’s Tracey Diamond said the attraction had attracted long queues over the first two days, with fans eager to recreate the atmosphere of the hit series.

THEN CAME THE ‘FLIPPING’ EXPERIENCE

For some visitors, the biggest shock of the day came from the Road Safety Authority’s rollover simulator.

The machine demonstrates what happens when a vehicle overturns — and participants experience being turned completely upside down while secured by a seatbelt.

Irish Sun reporter Danielle Russell Masterson described the experience as frightening, saying her heart was “in my mouth” as she found herself hanging upside down.

RSA chief executive Sam Waide said the simulator gives people a controlled experience of how frightening a vehicle rollover can be.

He urged motorists to take extra care on the roads and always use seatbelts.

BREAD, FASHION AND EVEN FARMER DATING

The championships offered plenty beyond machinery and technology.

The National Brown Bread Baking Competition saw bakers compete for a €5,000 cash prize and a NEFF oven worth more than €2,000.

Junior bakers were also competing for vouchers for themselves and their schools.

Meanwhile, the fashion tent crowned winners for the Most Appropriately Dressed competition.

And for visitors looking for romance rather than tractors, matchmaker Paul Numan of Katch.ie said he was aiming to arrange 100 dates during the festival after setting up 89 on the first day.

A FESTIVAL FULL OF SURPRISES

From cutting-edge robotics and television cosplay to road-safety demonstrations, baking competitions and matchmaking, Day Two proved there was much more to the National Ploughing Championships than farming.

With huge crowds filling the grounds, the event once again combined agriculture, technology, entertainment and Irish culture in one of the country’s biggest annual gatherings.