Huge crowds turned out again today to the National Ploughing Championships in Athy following a record first day attendance yesterday of 71,000 visitors.
The official opening was performed by President Mary McAleese, who opened the event for the 14th and last time as President. She hailed the "spirit and genius" of rural Ireland and the co-operative effort which goes into organising the show.
Many of candidates seeking her job later this year were on site, including Martin McGuinness who has been nominated to run by Sinn Féin. Gay Mitchell, Mary Davis and Sean Gallagher also mingled with the crowd canvassing for votes.
An early visitor to the site today was the Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is due to visit tomorrow, the closing day of the festival. More than 200,000 people are expected to attend over the three days of the festival.