Mick Dunne Memorial Run in Kildare a stunning success

THERE was a stunning outpouring of community support for a memorial road run in memory of Timolin’s Mick Dunne.

Mick Dunne of Dunnes Haulage was well-known across the country who sadly passed away in July 2024.

The Mick Dunne Memorial Truck Run attracted around 220 trucks, tractors and cars to Moone on Sunday 19 July.

A final tally is not yet known but it is expected to raise in the region of €35,000 and will be divided between three causes close to Mick and his family’s hearts, Moone Parish Church, Castledermot First Responders and the Irish Heart Foundation.

“It was a roaring success,” said event organiser, Mick’s daughter Audrey. “It was wonderful to see the support in the community, in Moone, Castledermot, the trucking community, the farming community. People donating their time and generosity … it was a perfect, perfect day.”

The truck route went through Castledermot and Athy. It was fitting as Mick would have had a significant contract with Tegral and would have been in and out of Athy countless times.

The tractors came down through Moone and Kilkea and back again while the cars ventured around Grangecon.

It was a busy Sunday with the fine weather and All-Ireland and World Cup finals but so many people came back to Moone Community Centre for refreshments and chat.

They came from all over Ireland for the memorial event. One driver arrived up from Mallow in Co Cork and they could still be found having a cup of tea well into the evening in the hall.

Others ventured from Cavan, Louth and Dublin while there was, of course great support from many Kildare hauliers. 

The family haulage business was started in 1948 by Mick’s father. Mick and his three brothers all went into the family business with Mick becoming the driving force with a great head for business and extraordinary work ethic.

Trucks were his passion and he grew the business into a nationwide operation in a career spanning 55 years. He ran the business from the cab and knew every road in Ireland.

Such was his knowledge, he would have a laugh at family members using Google Maps!

Audrey added: “He loved people; he knew lads everywhere. People would come to him with a problem and within 20-30 minutes he would be back with a solution because he knew a person. He would take time to talk to people.”

Mick was a nurturing and supportive figure to his family, children and grandchildren but also to many people he met, helping young people learn the ropes.

There are many stories about Mick’s kindness and courtesy to people.

“What goodness and kindness he gave out, we got back in bucket loads on Sunday,” said Audrey.

Mick’s wife Eileen and daughters Orla, Michelle and Laura, sons-in-law and grandchildren were all present for the special event.

Michelle returned from Australia for the event while Laura secured her license so she could drive a truck in the run.

There were around 50 to 60 volunteers who helped make the event a success, while Moone and Castledermot Vintage Clubs provided invaluable help and advice on the day.

Audrey described the support on the day and since her father’s passing as overwhelming.

“It’s the community spirit,” she said. “There is a lot of bad news in the world. But the goodness and kindness of people that are out there far outweighs it.”