Vintage tractor run races to over €27k

TRACTORS have barely been able to get into fields this year with the wet weather so a road run was one way to keep the engines ticking over.

The third annual charity tractor run by a group of vintage enthusiasts covered the Circuit of Clare.

It all started in 2021 when a group of friends including Colette Acheson, Ballyneety, her husband Ian, and Kieran Lillis, Meanus got together to talk about setting up a tractor run with a difference. It would be Leyland, Nuffield, Marshall tractors only. They were built back in the day with neither speed or comfort in mind.

The first Munster tractor run was organised in 2022 with eight tractors, a lead vehicle, recovery truck and supporters. They set off on a very 350km journey over two days touching on all six counties of Munster.

Colette said: “It was a huge task but with incredible teamwork , hard work and determination it was a massive success, raising €19,000.” Cliona’s Foundation and the Children's Grief Centre received €8.500 each with €2,000 going to the Red Cross Ukraine appeal.

Last year, Colette said they followed the route of Sarsfield’s Ride from Limerick city to Ballyneety near Pallasgreen where the train was attacked during the Jacobite War.

They did it in one day with 12 tractors raising €14,400, giving €7,400 to Cliona’s Foundation and The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Earlier this year they completed the Circuit of Clare over two days. The 330km journey took them through the Burren and part of the Wild Atlantic Way with some breathtaking scenery from the tractor cabs.

This was their biggest undertaking yet with 22 tractors and raising a huge €27,692 between two charities - Cliona’s Foundation and the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation.

“We are so happy and grateful to be able to help two charities each year and we are blown away at the generosity of everyone for their support, donations and encouragement,” said Colette.