Successful Shinrone Charity Tractor Run

The Shinrone Charity Tractor Run Committee filed into the Castle Bar in Shinrone for the recent presentation of cheques raised on New Year’s Day. Dan Cleary, MC, outlined the great success of the day with over 200 tractors in attendance, making the day a huge success where in excess of €18,000 was raised for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund and other local charities, namely Clonlisk NS and St Vincent de Paul.

Unfortunately, the Murphy family were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control, but family friend Denis Dooley was there to represent them. He thanked Clonlisk NS, which he said “was a great help to us” and mentioned the great work the St Vincent de Paul do.

“A lot of people helped us to get this charity run up and going,” added Dan, as he went on to thank the many stewards who were everywhere on the day and the great work they did to help with keeping everyone safe. He thanked the motorbike riders who led off the run, the people who drove the vintage tractors, most without cabs; the men and women who turned out on their tractors on the day in support of the charities, all who sold and bought tickets for the raffle, all who donated sponsorship and all who donated items for the auction, not forgetting the people who served food in the hall, feeding the multitude on the day. A special thanks was offered to John Maher and staff in the Castle Bar and to the auctioneer on the day, who got money for items that no one thought possible, commented Dan.

Dan offered a massive thanks to everyone who helped in whatever way to make the day such a huge success. Principal of Clonlisk NS, Fiona Liffey, thanked the Shinrone Charity Tractor Run committee for letting the school into the run this year. “This money will do so much for our little school to help with IT and such,” she explained. “But we cannot forget Ashling Murphy; she was one of our own, a teacher by profession.” Ms Liffey then went on to thank everyone who supported on the day.