Magnificent turnout for Kildare cancer support vintage run
Frances Farrington and Andrew Farrington, with James Counihan and Aoife Counihan, around the 1942 tractor that Frances drove in the rally.
MORE than 220 tractors were among the 369 vehicles which took part in the 2024 Mac & Norman Vintage Rally through Kilcullen. Some 65 trucks also participated in the convoy, with the balance of the vehicles including motorbikes, vintage cars, SUVs and vans.
With €16,900 collected on the day and more donations expected, the funds raised from the event add to the €580,490 raised for the Irish Cancer Society over the 22 years of the rally.
“We wish to thank everyone for such a great turnout and all our volunteers over the past few weeks for all their help and support,” said Trish Sully on behalf of the organisers. “They did trojan work which is very much appreciated.” The annual event was established by the Sully and Egar families, neighbours in Kennycourt near Brannockstown, and attracts entrants from all over Leinster, very many of whom return year on year.
The tractors, some more than 80 years old in addition to the latest high-tech equipment, were the main attraction as they rumbled through Brannockstown and Kilcullen and then circled back to Kennycourt for refreshments and a charity auction, conducted each year by John Osbourne.
This year for the auction there were more than a hundred items, vouchers and services donated by local businesses and other supporters.
The organisers have also thanked the volunteers who carried out registration and stewarding duties, the local women who handled the catering, bucket collectors, civil defence and gardaí, and the clean-up crew.
“We also want to thank our neighbours for allowing the use of their fields for parking vehicles — you were all fantastic and we really appreciate all your help, year in year out.” The presentation of the cheque to the Irish Cancer Society will be made on 12 October at a venue to be confirmed later.
