Quick Summary
ANNE & BLÁTHNAID AT THE PLoughING CHAMPIONSHIPS - The duo of Anne Cassin and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh head to Screggan, County Offaly for the iconic National Ploughing Championships, delivering a lively documentary slice of rural Irish life. This RTE One entertainment episode offers UK viewers a quick overview of the sights, sounds and community spirit, perfect at a glance for any British TV fan.
About This Program
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW ON 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 RTE One will broadcast a special episode of the beloved series “THE NATIONAL PLoughING CHAMPIONSHIP – ANNE CASSIN & BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH’S OFFALY ADVENTURE”. This one‑off documentary‑entertainment hybrid follows veteran broadcasters Anne Cassin and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh as they make their annual pilgrimage to the world‑famous ploughing event in Screggan, County Offaly. The programme promises a vivid portrait of rural Irish life, agricultural tradition and the infectious camaraderie that surrounds the biggest outdoor show in the Irish calendar. WHAT TO EXPECT VIEWERS will be taken on a full‑day journey from the early‑morning preparations at the showground to the climactic plough‑in‑the‑rain competition. The episode blends in‑depth interviews with champion ploughmen, behind‑the‑scenes footage of the massive machinery, and light‑hearted moments as Anne and Bláthnaid sample local food, try their hand at a traditional Irish dance and soak up the festive atmosphere. Interwoven with these scenes are reflective segments on the history of the National Ploughing Championships, its impact on the Irish farming community, and the cross‑border appeal that draws visitors from the UK and beyond. The documentary style is balanced by entertainment‑driven storytelling, making it an engaging watch for both agricultural enthusiasts and casual British TV audiences. KEY FEATURES THE SHOW STANDS OUT WITH ITS UNIQUE SCHEDULED TRIP FORMAT, FEATURING TWO OF THE MOST CHARISMATIC PERSONALITIES IN IRISH BROADCASTING. Production values are top‑tier – crystal‑clear 4K cinematography captures the sweeping Irish countryside, while the sound design brings the roar of engines and the buzz of the crowd right into the living‑room. The series‑long rapport between Anne Cassin and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh adds a warm, familiar thread, and the programme’s blend of documentary depth with light‑hearted entertainment positions it as a flagship example of quality British TV collaboration with Irish producers. WHY WATCH FOR UK VIEWERS seeking a fresh slice of cultural programming, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into a tradition that resonates across the Irish Sea. It is an in‑depth review of a historic event, packed with full details that satisfy both the curious casual viewer and the dedicated agriculture aficionado. The combination of compelling human stories, stunning visual storytelling and a dash of humour makes it a must‑watch for anyone who values high‑calibre documentary‑drama on British television. Moreover, the episode’s timing aligns perfectly with the autumn schedule, providing a timely, feel‑good escape before the winter months set in. RTE One PROGRAMMING CONTEXT THIS AIRING slots neatly into RTE One’s autumn line‑up of flagship documentary and entertainment series, complementing other popular programmes that celebrate heritage, travel and community spirit. It reinforces the channel’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive guide to quality programming for discerning UK television viewers, while also strengthening the cultural bridge between British TV and Irish tradition.
Nationwide broadcasts on RTE One at 6:10am, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)