Tractor run raises more than €8,600

Fundraiser benefits Newport Day Care Centre

A Sunday afternoon tractor drive along the Tipperary-Limerick county boundary has raised in excess of €8,600, which has been donated to providing care facilities for the elderly within the area.

The Annual Tractor Drive in association with a traditional Autumn Harvesting Festival has turned out to be one of the most successful ever for the level of participation and the fund raising achieved.

A total of 109 tractors ranging from the popular ‘little Fergie’, which has been accredited with being the first replacement for horse power on farms, around three quarters of a century ago, to some of the most modern of today were supplemented by eighteen vintage cars and jeeps.

Having assembled at Newport Livestock Mart yard, the colourful convoy headed through the town and on to crossing the county boundary into County Limerick towards Murroe, before travelling on through the countryside of Ahane, Lisnagry on route to their arrival at the festival venue at Bunkey by mid-afternoon.

A team of volunteers assisted organiser of the tractor run, Angela Coffey, with the arrangements at the assembly yard, the stewarding of the event, throughout the route and the reception which they received on their arrival at the festival grounds.

Everyone praised the spirit of the participants and the enjoyment which the colourful cavalcade provided and all involved were thanked for their turnout.

Later that evening, a cheque for €8,601.26, the proceeds of the event, was handed over by Angela Coffey to Cllr Fiona Bonfield at Ahern's Lounge, Bunkey for the benefit of the Newport Day Care Centre.

She thanked JJ Ryan Tyres, and Andy's Haulage for their sponsorship, the road marshals, Theresa Ahern for the facilities at Ahern's Bar, and the committee members for supporting the event and ensuring its smooth operation.

Committee members included PJ Ryan, Martin Coffey, JJ Ryan, Monica Mackey, John Ryan, Pat Shinnors and Martin Shinnors.