North Longford village set for Vintage Tractor and Car Run this weekend

In the region of eighty vintage tractors and a series of cars are expected to take part in a popular event which has raised €100,000 for various charities over the years.

It’s an occasion which, thanks to the sterling input of a small, yet dedicated ensemble of committee members, has continued to raise expectations and thrill audiences from near and far.

Chairperson Micheal Shaughnessy is hoping to further those sentiments this Sunday and is appealing to any last minute prospective entrants to come forward.

“We would have raised money for charities from Longford and Cavan over the years,” he said.

“There are usually around 80 or so tractors, all of which are vintage and we are looking to build on the cars this year and are appealing to anybody who has a vintage car and who would like to take part to make contact.”

It’s a plea which will no doubt be heeded by a cohort of vintage enthusiasts that stretches as far as Mayo and parts of Donegal.
Micheal explained how Sunday’s route will take in a 40km stretch along some of the region’s most idyllic coastline. “It will start as it always does, at the Cross in Aughnacliffe and go via Drumlish and Corrinagh,” he said.

“There will be a stop on the way too for refreshments before the run will go back through Molly while passing through Loch Gowna’s lakeside.

“It's a unique day out and it's great to see so many people come back year after year.

It’s anticipated that those at the wheel of vintage cars will be the first to take off, going through a slightly more extended route before meeting up with the event’s tractor contingent at its designated stop off point.

Among the many seasoned enthusiasts due to take part will be Longford man Andy Clancy, a well known and respected connoisseur of vintage tractors.

It all kicks off at 12pm with registration priced at €20, including a breakfast roll, from 10:30am.