Ronan Kelly from Taughmaconnell in South Roscommon has been named Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman at the National Ploughing Championships, bringing a notable fashion win to his home county at one of the country’s biggest rural gatherings. The award was presented at the Fashion Show Marquee in Screggan, County Offaly, where Kelly secured a €500 voucher sponsored by Shaws.
County Roscommon Style Claims Top Prize in Offaly
The National Ploughing Championships blended traditional agricultural competition with rural style, drawing crowds to the Fashion Show Marquee throughout the event. According to reports from the site, Kelly stood out among attendees to claim the top gentleman’s fashion prize on Day Two of the Championships.
Alongside Kelly’s victory, Catia Bandeiras—originally from Lisbon and now living in Dublin—was named Most Appropriately Dressed Lady, winning an overnight spa escape for two sponsored by Voco The Club. The daily fashion showcases were staged by the Celia Holman Lee Model Agency, pulling large audiences into the marquee.
Welly Throwing Competition Brings Sporting Honours to Castlerea
While fashion highlights drew style enthusiasts, traditional rural sports also delivered wins for County Roscommon. According to reporting by Stephen Conneelly of The Irish Times, Castlerea man Shane Donlon claimed victory in a welly-throwing competition on the opening day of the Championships at Screggan.
Donlon secured the win—alongside a free T-shirt and bragging rights—after adjusting his throwing technique mid-competition. Speaking to The Irish Times after his win, Donlon described feeling a physical strain during his first attempt. “I threw it the first time and I could feel a little tweak in the hamstring, so I said: ‘I’m not going to be ripping that with this craic,'” Donlon told The Irish Times. He eased his approach for subsequent throws, aiming for the event sign on his final attempt with his son, Eoghan, watching.
Did You Know?
According to NPA managing director Anna May McHugh, the Screggan site hosted a diverse schedule featuring ploughing and livestock competitions alongside food, fashion, cookery demonstrations, tug of war, and live entertainment.
Attractions and Atmosphere at the National Ploughing Championships
NPA managing director Anna May McHugh highlighted the broad appeal of the multi-day event, noting that visitors enjoyed a vibrant environment across the entire site. According to McHugh, there was “a great atmosphere right across the site,” welcoming participants to engage with agricultural displays, competitive sports, and commercial stalls.
Visitors like the Donlon family noted the sheer scale of the festival footprint. “There’s so much to do here,” Mr Donlon told The Irish Times. “You’d nearly want the two days if you wanted to see everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman award?
According to event coverage, Ronan Kelly from Taughmaconnell in South Roscommon won the gentleman’s fashion prize at the Fashion Show Marquee in Screggan, County Offaly.
What did the winner of the gentleman’s fashion prize receive?
Ronan Kelly received a €500 voucher sponsored by Shaws, according to reports from the National Ploughing Championships.
Who won the welly-throwing competition?
According to The Irish Times, Castlerea man Shane Donlon won the opening-day welly-throwing competition, taking home a free T-shirt and victory.
Where was the National Ploughing Championships held?
The event took place at Screggan in County Offaly, featuring agricultural exhibitions, fashion shows, and sports competitions.
Join the Conversation: Did you attend this year’s National Ploughing Championships in County Offaly? Share your favorite memories of the fashion marquee and rural competitions in the comments below.