Culture and Connectivity: Ireland’s Archaeological, Musical and Sporting Heritage on display alongside the Future of Communication

Department of Culture, Communications and Sport returns to the National Ploughing Championships in 2025.

Visitors to this year’s National Ploughing Championship can look forward to an exciting and vibrant offering, celebrating Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage, living history and much more, at the Culture, Communications, Archaeology and Sport Marquee, located at Block 3, Row 14, within the Government of Ireland Village.

The National Archives, Sport Ireland, the Arts Council, the National Museum of Ireland and

the National Broadband Plan will be among the exhibition stands in the marquee, which will be fully staffed over the three days to welcome visitors, and demonstrate all of the excellent work they undertake and the services they offer.

Sport Ireland will be on hand promoting the various opportunities for sport across the nation. With information on National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, as well as active demonstrations, Sport Ireland staff will be more than happy to chat through opportunities to be active in Ireland as an individual or member of a sports club.

The exhibition “The Irish Language and 1925 Census of the Gaeltacht”, presented by the National Archives, is a window into one of the body’s most culturally significant chapters. Beginning with the landmark 1925 Census of the Gaeltacht, a foundational moment in the Irish Free State’s efforts to protect the Irish language, this compelling display explores how policy, community and culture came together to shape the legacy and future of the language.

The Irish Antiquities division staff in the National Museum of Ireland (NMII) attending their stand will provide information to the public on their work, statutory responsibilities, the legislation protecting our portable heritage, the work of the Museum and the new Heritage Act 2023.

Also featured at the Culture, Communications, Archaeology and Sport Marquee will be the Arts Council, who will showcase some of the local artistic talent from County Offaly. Multi-award winning, number one bestselling author, journalist, filmmaker and organic farmer John O'Connell will read from his award-winning titles “The Cow Book” and “12 Sheep”. “The Cow Book” won Non-fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.

The National Broadband Plan will have an information stand in the marquee, showcasing the objectives, progress, and impact of the NBP and providing clear, accessible explanations of rollout milestones and service benefits in the delivery of high-speed broadband across rural Ireland. One of the most ambitious capital projects in the history of the State, the NBP stand will allow visitors to check their addresses on the NBP intervention map to see if they are included in the plan and, where applicable, receive an indicative timeline for connection.

The marquee will also feature numerous demonstrations and performances, including set dancing, harping, Brigid’s cross weaving and other aspects of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage.

Speaking ahead of the Ploughing Championships, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said:

This year’s exhibition at the National Ploughing Championships will have something for everyone, from Sport Ireland’s hands-on demonstrations to the National Museum’s archaeological exhibition, and everything in between.

I particularly encourage everyone to attend the National Archives exhibition on the 1925 Census of the Gaeltacht to see a new and unique insight into the earliest efforts by the State to archive, examine and preserve An Ghaeilge. I know as well that visitors will be amazed by the progress of the National Broadband Plan and I hope they enjoy seeing when their town, village or townland can become a part of this communications revolution.

I wish all who are exhibiting, performing, and participating in workshops the very best of luck as they share their knowledge and creative practice as part of my department’s schedule of events.

Minister of State for the Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, said:

It is a bumper programme of events for the National Ploughing Championships this year. I am particularly pleased to see that Sport Ireland will be showcasing their wide range of services and activities, as well as demonstrating a range of sports like Pitch and Putt, Badminton, and the challenging reaction game BATAK. I wish everyone involved in the Culture, Communications, Archaeology and Sport Marquee great success for the three days of the event.