Huge crowds savour Longford Vintage Show

From as soon as the gates to Longford’s former army headquarters at Connolly Barracks opened until the final few weary, yet thoroughly satisfied onlookers departed, the occasion could not have gone any better.

As is so often the case in events of this ilk, much of the focus was on the principal theme-age old and timeless vehicles from yesteryear.

Basking in what was an afternoon of glorious sunshine, the end result certainly didn’t disappoint as interested observers were given a glimpse of some of Longford’s and the wider region’s extensive suite of classical cars and tractors.

Throw in what could only be described as a wish list of children’s and family orientated attractions, this was an afternoon that will undoubtedly live long in the memory for many.

PICTURES | Glorious sunshine at top class Longford Vintage Club Show and Family Fun Day

Longford Vintage Club Secretary Miceal Nolan more than concurred with those sentiments, saying the event was everything and in some aspects, more than he could have anticipated.

“It was a fantastic day and the weather helped make it,” he said.

“We had cars and vehicles from Donegal, Cork, Clare, Wexford and there were lads that came from Galway.

“And we had such great local support too from the likes of the Lakeland Club in Abbeyshrule, Mullingar Vintage Club and others. Without that local support, events like this just couldn’t take place.”

Noteworthy praise was equally foisted in the direction of local businesses for their part in providing sponsorship monies, Longford County Council, Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board and Longford Volunteer Centre for their own respective roles in making the day the unprecedented success it was.

“It probably was,” noted Miceal, when quizzed as to whether the afternoon was the event’s most memorable in its 15 year long history.

“It was certainly on a par with last year and we definitely had more exhibitors on the ground. We also had as much footfall as we did last year, if not more.”

It’s anticipated a donation will be made to a local charity or charities once the organisational dust has been allowed to settle and after committee and club meetings are held over the next couple of weeks.

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In the meantime, Miceal says thoughts are already starting to turn to next year’s equivalent.

Two recreational groups in situ on Sunday are already booked in for Longford Vintage Club’s 2024 spectacle.

“As some people were leaving on Sunday, they were already talking about next year and we have started planning for (next year) definitely,” remarked Miceal.

From the umpteen smiling faces that were on display last Sunday, next year’s offering instalment can’t come quick enough.