Father and son embrace the buzz at ploughing championships

Jack with his father David (left) and grandfather Don (right)

Crowds have been flocking to this year's National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly.

Thursday is the final day of the three-day event, which runs from 16-18 September.

It has been a family affair for one of the competitors, Jack Wright from Magherafelt.

The 21-year-old has been involved with ploughing from the age of 13 and his dad David is one of the judges at the event.

"Since then, I've cherished it and I've always loved coming down to the ploughing," Jack told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today.

Up to 300,000 people were expected to attend across the three days of this year's event.

It has featured a packed programme of ploughing and livestock competitions, along with exhibitors along with music and dance performances.

Jack competed on Tuesday, finishing fourth in his class.

He then watched more of the ploughing classes on Wednesday to learn from other ploughmen.

"It's all to do with getting your practice," he added.

And his advice for competition days?

"There's no point being nervous about it, you just go and try your hardest - and make sure you have all your measurements and appropriate equipment with you."

David said there was "a bit of everything" at the event

David, Jack's dad, said the event had been "very good".

"A lot of spectators take a walk round the ploughing, it's close to the trade stands, and they like to come down and see," he added.

"They get a bit of everything, but it's a long day for them. There's an awful lot to see here."

Crowds attend the first day of the National Ploughing Championships

David said the judges consider about 15 different aspects when judging, including straightness and uniformity.

"It's all to make better crops, to have better ploughing, it's to help at home as well when you're planting crops.

"The better you can plough your land, there's less hassle, less weeds and less spray needed."

What are the National Ploughing Championships?

Irish President Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina at the championships

This year's National Ploughing Championships follow the 70th World Ploughing Championships, which took place earlier this month in Prague, Czech Republic.

Last year's event attracted almost 250,000 people - and there are expected to be even more this year.

Attendance soared to 78,500 on the first day, up 3,000 from last year's figures.

The event requires more than 700 acres of land.

President Michael D Higgins officially opened the championships on Tuesday.

More than 350 competitors from across Ireland and Northern Ireland have entered the ploughing classes.

The livestock section features over 100 entries in a range of classes - and visitors can gain insights into livestock management, genetics, nutrition, and animal healthcare.

Other attractions include fashion shows, sheep shearing, a fun fair, craft demonstrations, a food fair and baking competitions, pony games and a programme of local musicians and dance troops.

There is also millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display, along with the 'Machine of the Year' competition.