BREAKING NEWS NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELLED TODAY

The second day of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore has been cancelled due to public safety concerns.

The opening of the site had initially been delayed two hours from 9am to 11am, before it was then put back to this afternoon.

The decision has now been made to cancel the second day of the three-day event.

Earlier a National Ploughing Association spokesperson said the safety of the public and exhibitors is of paramount importance.

There are reports that many smaller tents, as well as portaloos, have been knocked over on the site.

Almost 100,000 people from all parts of the country visited the championships yesterday, for what is the biggest outdoor of its kind in Europe.

More than 1,700 tents and marquees as well as marketing and exhibition displays have been temporarily erected on the outdoor site and there are now serious concerns for public safety.

Earlier ICMSA President Pat McCormack said there is frustration building up among the exhibitors and visitors and a decision needs to be made quickly.

He said people's heath and safety should be paramount and in hindsight a decision should have been made yesterday given the efforts people have made to travel with young families.

He said exhibitors are concerned that repairs will have to be made and no repairs could be made in winds of this speed.