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Three Mile Long Convoy Forms 4th Annual Tullamore Charity Tractor Run

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Some of the tractors on the Charity run to Pullough. TT016870

TRACTORS of all ages, makes and models took part in the 4th annual Tullamore Charity Tractor and Classic Car run and raised funds for the Oncology Unit at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore.
The tractor drivers were joined by classic car enthusiasts, motor cyclists and even the odd horse drawn vehicle for the event which took place on Wednesday last.
Described as an 'unbelievable success' by one of the chief organisers, P.J. Lynam, the run attracted a bumper attendance thanks in part to the relatively mild weather conditions on the morning.
The massive crowd congregated at the Old Jennings Truck Centre on the Arden Road where they were treated to breakfast rolls and refreshments in a specially erected marquee. The rolls were sponsored by Ben Scally and John Leavy, proprietors of the Centra outlets at Arden and Henry St.
Local gardai and stewards were on hand to ensure that the mammoth event ran smoothly and did not cause too much disruption to motorists using the busy Arden Road and Collins Lane arteries.
Speaking on the platform prior to the departure of participants, P.J. Lynam described the event as a 'spectacular' occasion and said it was great to see such large crowds in attendance.
'I look around and see people from all over the country who got up early this morning to drive to Tullamore and take part,' said Mr Lynam.
He revealed that to date the Christmas tractor runs had raised over €80,000 for the Oncology Unit at Tullamore Hospital.
'Today we're going to get over the €100,000 mark,' predicted a confident Mr Lynam.
He said the group had approached management at the hospital four years ago asking what area they could raise funds for.
Despite a major state of the art hospital having recently been opened the group were informed that funds were needed for cancer care in the area of comfort for patients and their families.
'It was sad to see people queuing in corridors waiting for treatment . . . that is not on in this day and age,' stressed Mr Lynam.
At that stage hospital management planned to develop a veranda with private rooms and consultation rooms where patients and their families could wait for treatment in privacy and in comfort.
The cost for the overall project ran to €350,000 and funding was sourced from a number of other sources and voluntary organisations.
Mr Lynam revealed that the veranda was now up and running and benefitting patients and their families greatly.
Describing the event as one of the biggest in the country, Mr Lynam stressed road safety pointing out that it was 'a tractor run and not a tractor race'. He thanked Sgt Tom Tully for all his help with the run. Sgt Tully later officiated at the draw for the restored Massey Ferguson 35 X in the Old Harbour Bar.
He also extended a particular welcome to the many young participants taking part in the run.
The speaker paid tribute to the committee which had organised the event Barbara and Mick Waters, Don Fox, Brian Gibson, Donal O'Brien, John and Paschal Flynn and John Walsh.
Prior to the run kicking off a draw was held for a model hay shed and tractor and they were won by Michael O'Brien and Ben Finlay respectively.
After departing Jennings the spectacular three mile long convoy made its way to Pullough where refreshments were served at the Pull Inn, courtesy of the Gallagher family.
Then it was onto Tullamore where the participants congregated at the Old Harbour Bar for the evening's activities which kicked off with a tug of war on the cordoned off street.
Teams from Streamstown, Rathkeale, Killoughey, Kilcormac/ Cadamstown and a number of local pubs took part and attracted considerable interest.
The winners were - Killoughey 680 competition; Rathkeale Youths; Kilcad (Kilcormac/ Cadamstown] Catch competition while the Old Harbour Bar came first in the pubs competition with Fergie's coming home in second place.
The highlight of the evening was the draw for the restored Massey Ferguson 35X which took place at the reception in the Old Harbour Bar.
There had been huge interest in the vintage tractor which had been beautifully restored by the committee after been found in a dilapidated state on a farm in Clonaslee.
Tickets for the tractor were bought by people from all over the country, particularly at Tullamore Show last August, where the vehicle attracted huge attention from the thousands who attended the event.
Fittingly the winner was a local man, Jim Connor from Daingean, who was present in the bar for the official presentation.

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