ACN Ireland ‘bowled over’ by remarkable interest in faith at ploughing
Europe’s largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships, was held from 17 to 19 September in Ratheniska, Co Laois. Located in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, this three-day festival – celebrating creation, agricultural life and now in its 93rd year – attracted 244,000 people from Ireland and abroad.
Reflecting on the success of ‘Ploughing 2024’, Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, said, “I was delighted with the foot-fall at our diocesan stand 221. In particular, I was moved by the amount of people who expressed their support for our #PLEDGEYOURPINFORPEACE campaign. This involved placing a pin on our Saint Brigid’s Cross, which went from a blank canvas to a beautiful, colourful symbolic representation of the thousands of prayers storming heaven for peace in our world! There was a powerful level of support, from people of all ages, for the suffering of victims in war torn areas such as Gaza and Ukraine.
“Another feature that attracted great attention to our stand was a series of ‘peace themed’ games aimed at young people to engage with on their smartphone. These games were created by staff and students from SETU Carlow”
Bishop Nulty is pictured above with, from left to right, His Excellency Archbishop Luis Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland; Anne Hughes, Benefactor Support ACN Ireland; Davide Barbieri, Diocesan Liaison Officer, ACN Ireland; Harry Casey, National Director of ACN Ireland, and Claire O’Reilly, Office Manager ACN Ireland.
For the first time ever, the international Catholic charity ‘Aid to the Church in Need Ireland’ had a stand at the National Ploughing Championships. ACN supports over 6,000 struggling communities in 140 countries. Michael Kelly, Director of Public Affairs for ACN Ireland, said, “It was truly remarkable the level of faith interest expressed by young people, especially in prayer, at Ploughing 2024.
“ACN Ireland was delighted by the public’s reaction to our stand, particularly from younger people. We were there with a simple message: asking people to pray for those in need throughout the world. Many of our visitors shared with us how they pray for people who are suffering. In return, we gave away our Bethlehem-made Rosary beads, and many were touched by this gesture. Significantly, we were often asked for a second pair of Rosary beads for a sibling at home, or for the benefit of an elderly relative who is ill. We assured everyone of our prayers.”
During its presence at Ploughing 2024, ACN Ireland highlighted the plight of what is often known as the ‘suffering Church’, where Christians are struggling usually because they are in a minority. ACN also focused on its work to support the last remaining Catholic parish in Gaza, the Holy Family Parish, where it currently sponsors a project to provide heat and light for the parishioners who have taken refuge in the church at this time of war.
Mr Kelly continued, “In addition to the concern for the safety of innocent people in Gaza, visitors were also very interested in our work in Ukraine, Nigeria and many other countries around the world. The ACN presence in Ratheniska has been a shot in the arm for our work, particularly the enthusiasm of the young people and their openness to prayer and spirituality. It is a very hopeful sign for the future.
“I wish to thank Bishop Denis Nulty for the warm welcome extended to ACN during Ploughing 2024, as well as the many who attended our stand including Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Montemayor, and Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns.”
For more information on Aid to the Church in Need Ireland, visit the ACN Website or email [email protected].
