Longford vintage vehicle run in Ballinamuck raises impressive funds

Ballinamuck once again showed its community spirit and support with the Memorial Tractor and Vintage Car Run on Sunday, September 21. Remembering Oliver Leslie and Philip Sorohan, this annual event has brought out the best in Ballinamuck, with many locals and those from surrounding areas getting involved.

Yvonne Leslie, who helped with the event’s success, chatted about the run’s beginnings:

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“It started as a memorial run for Philip over 10 years ago, but we lost Oliver in 2018, and he would’ve been a great man for a tractor run,” she said.

Stating that there were approximately 100 vehicles involved on the day, the types of vehicles included not only tractors and cars, but motorbikes as well. The start point and end point were outside the ‘98 Bar, where registration and hospitality were provided for those involved and coming to give support.

Yvonne added: “The registration started at the ‘98 Bar from 10:30a.m. and they had breakfast there, and then the run in Ballinamuck started at 12 o’clock. They arrived back in Ballinamuck at around 4pm.”

At the moment, there is an estimate of €3,000 already made during the event, but more is expected to be added to the final count. As to where the money is going this year, Yvonne revealed what cause had been selected:

“Every year, we run it and we give proceeds to different charities. We would’ve given it to Kevin Bell, Longford Hospice in previous years. This year, we’re putting the donations to the new after school called Ballinamuck Aftercare.”

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As a final comment, Yvonne gave appreciation to all those who had been involved in the organisation of the event: “I’d like to thank all the tractor drivers, car drivers and motorcyclists. The marshals from the local Bikers Club who monitored the road. The Longford Civil Defence for medical cover at it. Everybody who donated through sponsorship cards and raffle tickets. Enda and Mary in the ‘98 for using the premises. All our stewards and helpers as well.”

Another successful event in the Ballinamuck community, videos and updates from the event can be viewed on The Grey Run Facebook page.