The Garda traffic management plan to facilitate visitors to the National Ploughing Championships in Castletownroche, Co Cork, got its first test yesterday as many of the exhibitors travelled to the site.
The plan, a series of one-way systems and no through traffic, worked well with only minimal delays in Michelstown, which also carries the main Dublin-Cork traffic.
On the giant site itself all eyes were on the skies and ears tuned in to the weather forecast, trying to predict whether this will be a dry championships or a wet one.
The forecast for the week is for mixed weather with some heavy showers. Visitors are advised to bring their wellingtons with them today.
According to Ms Anna Marie McHugh, who is responsible for press relations and is also a champion ploughwoman, the site is wet underfoot but is holding up well.
"There is good drying, and while I would advise the use of wellingtons, this is good high land and can absorb a great deal of moisture," she said.
The NPA has laid five miles of steel trackway to help visitors get around the main exhibition area.
Ms McHugh said the conditions could create some difficulties for the ploughing competitors who, like Formula One racing drivers, change tyres or add a double wheel to their tractors for additional traction.
"There will be no difficulty opening the ground, and it could be greasy for some of the competitors, but some of them like it that way," she said.
Most accommodation within a 30-mile radius has been filled, but there is an NPA helpline for bedless visitors on the site.
Later today the official opening will be performed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, and in the afternoon, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will visit.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, and the British and US ambassadors will attend over the next few days.
Also travelling to the event are a number of business people from Belgium and the Netherlands who requested information on the event through their embassies in Dublin.
One VIP who will not be attending this year is the President, Mrs McAleese. She declined an invitation but promised to be at the first championships of the new millennium.
The championships, which have replaced the Spring Show at the RDS, Dublin, as the main event in the farming calendar, are expecting an attendance over 150,000 people.
More than 800 trade stands have been erected, and 300 acres has been set aside for car-parking adjacent to the Farrell farm in Castletownroche where the event is being held.
Anybody intending to travel to the National Ploughing Championships at Castletownroche, Co Cork, should bring wellington boots and rain gear because it is going to be wet and muddy, Met Eireann advised yesterday.
Heavy rain in recent weeks meant the ground was already saturated, a meteorologist, Mr David Rogers, said. After a misty, foggy start today, rain would become persistent over north Munster for the morning but become more showery later in the afternoon.
Tomorrow will be cooler and more windy, while the rain will return later on Thursday.