They were already calling it "Women's Day" here at the National Ploughing Championships yesterday when the news of the appointment of the first female Minister for Agriculture and Food swept through the grounds.
It had not gone unnoticed that this, the largest outdoor event of its kind in Ireland, the largest ploughing championships in the world and the biggest farming event of its type in Europe, is run by women - Ms Anna May McHugh and her team.
But the fact that later today, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Ms Coughlan, will be making a visit was going down well all round the place, but no more so than in the huge Department of Agriculture stand which was staffed mainly by women.
They were delighted with the news of getting a female boss with the reputation of having a good sense of humour, who looks well and can compete on any level with the boys. "No one will be pointing at us any more. We are now the glamour department," said one of the civil servants.
In the press room it was being pointed out that within 24 hours, another important Irish woman, the President, would also be visiting the grounds to add to the female side of the equation.
Mrs McAleese is due here at noon today and will do a tour of the 500-acre site and will meet the new Minster at some stage in the afternoon.
It was being pointed out that there are now three Marys in the Cabinet, with the elevation of Mary Hanafin to join Mary Harney and Mary Coughlan.
There were huge crowds at the championships yesterday which, traditionally, is the day that attracts the largest crowds of the three-day event.
With the weather reasonably kind, there was a relaxed air around the 50 acres of tented displays, where couples danced on the wet grass to a ballad group.
There was merchandising too, with all manner of machines and equipment on display, from toys at €10 to trucks worth €150,000.
There were some complaints of traffic delays, especially for those who had travelled south to the event, but overall the traffic system worked well and delays were kept to a minimum.