Two businesses set for Ploughing Championships 2026

Published: Thu 3 Sep 2026, 11:15 AM

Two innovative businesses from Cavan and Monaghan will showcase their products to almost 300,000 visitors at the National Ploughing Championships 2026 as part of the Local Enterprise Village, highlighting the strength of entrepreneurship across the region.

Local Enterprise Office Cavan and Local Enterprise Office Monaghan are delighted to announce that JE Engineering Ltd from Crossdoney, Co. Cavan and A-Bars Ireland from Stranooden, Co. Monaghan have been selected to represent their counties at this year's National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly, from 15th to 17th September.

The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will feature over 30 small businesses from across Ireland, offering exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to showcase their products and services to one of the country's largest annual audiences.

Being in the tractor repair and sale service William Ebbitt from Ballinagh had noticed that especially aging farmers were struggling to get up into their vehicles. "I wanted to rectify that," he thought and remembered a shelved TY-project of his. Subsequently JE Engineering Ltd, led by William, developed an hydraulic mobility lift designed specifically to help farmers and machinery operators to enter and exit agricultural machinery. Now he has sold them all over Ireland "We didn't advertise it all, it was just word of mouth," he said. Produced locally in Crossdoney they are hoping to streamline the production more. His main goal was that farmers maintain their independence, mobility and safety, particularly those experiencing reduced mobility due to age, injury or physical challenges.

The lift can be fitted to a range of agricultural machines, and William provides a fully managed service, collecting machinery from customers, fitting the lift at his workshop, and returning the machine ready for use.

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William Ebbitt from JE Engineering

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Norman Clarke from A-Bars Ireland Photo by Don Moloney

Meanwhile, A-Bars Ireland is a leading manufacturer of high-quality stainless-steel vehicle accessories for vans, 4x4s and trucks. "The most popular product is the towbar guard," owner Norman Clarke says. "Hitching on a trailer, the smallest mistake can be very expensive." Established in 2006, the Monaghan-based business produces towbar guards, nudge bars, side bars and custom vehicle products, while also offering CNC cutting, tube bending and bespoke fabrication services.

With close to 300,000 visitors expected over the three days, the National Ploughing Championships provides significant exposure to potential customers from across Ireland and beyond.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gillian Madden, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Cavan, said:

"The National Ploughing Championships provides an excellent platform for businesses such as JE Engineering Ltd to showcase innovative products and services to a national audience. William's mobility lift is a practical solution that has the potential to significantly improve quality of life for many farmers."

Eilin Connolly, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, added:

"This is an opportunity like no other for a small business in Ireland. The chance to bring their ideas and products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other. The Local Enterprise Village has become a destination for visitors looking to discover local businesses and innovative Irish products."

"There is also something for everyone at the Local Enterprise Village, with businesses representing a wide variety of sectors from manufacturing and food and beverage, to software solutions, engineering and fashion. It highlights the depth and diversity of businesses supported by the Local Enterprise Offices."

This year, the Local Enterprise Village will also feature a Business Advice Hub, where aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners can access expert advice from Local Enterprise Office business advisors on topics including funding, sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: "The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, giving small Irish businesses from across the country the opportunity to showcase what they do to the huge crowds that attend each year. We are delighted to welcome the businesses selected this year and it is great to see them have the opportunity to reach new customers and showcase their products and services to such a large audience."

Visitors attending the National Ploughing Championships are encouraged to visit the Local Enterprise Village to meet William Ebbitt of JE Engineering Ltd and the team from A-Bars Ireland, discover their innovative products, and see first-hand the quality and ingenuity of businesses from Cavan and Monaghan.

The Local Enterprise Village continues to be one of the most popular destinations at the National Ploughing Championships, showcasing the very best of Irish entrepreneurship across sectors including engineering, manufacturing, food, crafts, technology, agriculture and consumer products.