The Methodist Church in Ireland was present at the National Ploughing Championships last week (17th - 19th September) in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

The National Ploughing Championships is Europe's largest outdoor event. It covers a vast amount of trade and exhibition while profiling the best of Irish community and culture, primarily, but not exclusively related to rural life.

At our stand we served tea, coffee and juice, along with a ready supply of biscuits! Along with that we had a spacious area, where people sat down for refreshments, conversation, information or prayer.

It couldn't have happened without a wonderful team of volunteers from the Southern District. They were present to have conversations with people who came along and listen or point people to what we are about and how we could help.

We were glad to be joined by our President, the Rev Dr John Alderdice and the Lay Leader, Elaine Barnett on the Tuesday.

The volunteers served four thousand people with a drink and warm greetings and helped out in various practical ways.