Disappointed crowds experiencing long delays as they try to leave cancelled National Ploughing Championships

Disappointed crowds who made their way to Screggan for Day 2 of the National Ploughing Championships are now experiencing even more lengthy delays as they try to make their way home. 

Gardai and stewards are on the roads trying to ease the gridlock but the delays are being exacerbated as still more cars are on their way to the now cancelled event. Gardai are urging motorists to be patient.

#ploughing18 Gardaí & stewards currently on all routes working to ease traffic volumes. Please be patient & exercise caution. Put safety first on your journey home. pic.twitter.com/X24bRHYou0

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2018

The decision to cancel day two was only taken shortly before 12pm after the organisers had twice the delayed the opening time due to Storm Ali.

Also read: Storm Ali causes travel chaos as railway line between Longford and Edgeworthstown is closed

The decision to initially go ahead with the event was taken despite the fact that Offaly was one of the counties under a Status Orange Wind Warning as of yesterday afternoon.

Also read: Tree falls onto car as crowds head to Ploughing 2018

WATCH: Shocking footage shows Storm Ali damage inside Ploughing site