The Ploughing has been cancelled for this Wednesday, gardaí on site told the Irish Farmers Journal. The National Ploughing Association later confirmed the cancellation.

Irish Farmers Journal beef editor Adam Woods was on site since 7am on Wednesday – here was his update:

Speaking on RTE Radio 1, NPA assistant managing director Anna Marie McHugh said the event would open again on Thursday, and possibly on Friday.

"There’s quite an amount of remedial work to be done," she said, adding that a substantial amount of hoarding and some lighter structures were on the ground.

McHugh added that exhibitors would be allowed on to the site this Wednesday afternoon to carry out repairs and were being contacted for a potential extension to Friday.

While the storm took longer than forecast to move across Screggan, Co Offaly, "Met Éireann have assured us that the wind will abate this afternoon", McHugh said.

The NPA must also ensure availability of emergency services before deciding on a potential Friday opening, she added.

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