Popular Co Longford Colmcille Vintage Car and Tractor Run to be on Sunday

The annual Colmcille Vintage Car and Tractor Run will take place this Sunday, July 6 in aid of the Longford branch of the Parkinson's Association of Ireland.

Running for over 14 years, the event has raised in excess of €140,000 for various local charities.

Chairperson of the Colmcille Vintage Club, Micheál Shaughnessy, who established the event, said it is a big day out for car and tractor vintage enthusiasts and there is always a positive atmosphere.

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"It was my idea in the beginning just to do something for charity," he added.

Micheál is assisted by a committee and a large number of local people who help with stewarding.

Micheál outlined why the club decided to give the proceeds of this year’s run to the Longford branch of the Parkinson's Association of Ireland.

"A club member was diagnosed a few years ago and has Parkinson's and we decided on this charity because of that," he explained.

Parkinson’s disease, or Parkinson’s as it is generally known, is a progressive neurological disorder.

It's classified as a Movement Disorder, with the main symptoms including tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. Its progression varies from person to person.

The symptoms can be effectively controlled with medication for many years.

The run will be taking in a wide area of North Longford.

“Tractors will travel from Aughnacliffe, to Aughadowrey, on to Guaig Cross, through Drumlish before travelling on to Doherty's Cross and into Ballinalee where we will break for 20 minutes.

"Then from Ballinalee we will start on the trail back to Aughnacliffe via Lough Gowna lake," he added.
Micheál said cars will have their own route.

“Cars will be taking an alternative route and leaving Aughnacliffe before taking in Granard, Edgeworthstown, Longford, on to Ballinalee before travelling back to Aughnacliffe,” Micheál stated.

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Micheál said last year, around 70 vintage vehicles participated.

“Registration this year is from 11am until 12 noon and the run will leave the Cross at 12.45pm sharp.

“Registration costs €20. The day starts off with a breakfast roll and upon return, there will be dinner. There will also be light refreshments in between,” he explained.

“If you want to carry a passenger, then it is an extra €10, if they wish to avail of the meal,” Micheál added.