Longford tractor run in memory of Donal Chapman raises €16,000 for Multiple Sclerosis

The recent Tractor Run event ran in the memory of local Lisnacusha man Donal Chapman and to raise funds for Longford Multiple Sclerosis (MS) culminated with a presentation night at the Pier Inn, Lisnacusha recently.
The Tractor Run, which was a hugely successful event raised the wonderful sum of €16,342 and a cheque for that wonderful amount was presented to Longford MS on the night, Saturday, February 3.

This event was organised by neighbours and friends of the late Donal who lost his battle with MS in 2022 and prior to his death he had done remarkable things to promote the MS. It was a measure of the man’s memory to see so many tractors and vehicles turn out to support the Tractor Run in his memory.
He spent many summers of his younger years working at silage, making and bailing hay around Rathcline and Newtowncashel – he had a passion for tractors and machinery.
Despite being a long time sufferer, Donal, was a very strong advocate of Longford MS taking part in Skydives, Bungee Jumping to name a few of his fundraising events.

He would have been amazed and very proud at the response of the Tractor Run. A lot of work goes into organising an event like this but without a strong community effort it would not have been possible.
The weather was mighty on the day and the organisers would like to take this opportunity to thank all that played their part in making it happen.
Firstly, a big thank you to the communities of Newtowncashel, Lanesboro and Ballyleague. There was a huge response when making the call for assistance to help marshal all the road junctions along the route.
A very big thank you for the great response from the St Faithleachs GAA club for their help and support in managing the turnaround of 150 tractors on the club grounds in Ballyleague.

Thank you to the lads on the motorbikes who assisted with the marshalling. A big thank you to those that helped preserve the memory of the day with wonderful photographs and drone coverage and to everyone that used social media to help publicise the event.
The band ‘Actin the Maggot’ deserves a huge thank you for a brilliant night of music in the Pier Inn. The man himself ‘Santa’ made a special appearance and he must be thanked for travelling all the way from the North Pole.
Another special thank you goes to the two lads who brought the two diggers to create the spectacle at the start and finish. People travelled big distances on their tractors to support and for that the committee are most grateful.

Olivia and her team in the Local in Newtowncashel was the scene for everyone registering their tractors and they served refreshments beforehand and at the end of the Run, Bríd and her team in the Pier Inn accommodated a wonderful finale.
A very big thank you to both ladies and their teams for their hospitality.
A big thank you to everybody that donated spot prizes, made financial donations, and who bought so many tickets for the raffle.
The main focus was to remember Donal and to raise funds for Longford MS and both were truly remembered and supported.