Tractor runs raises €36,000 for south Longford care centre

Ballymahon Day Care Centre is financed 70% by the HSE, with the other 30% secured through fundraisers, which is a commitment the trustees have given.

All three tractor runs have been a great source of funding for Ballymahon Day Care Centre, bringing in almost €36,000.

The Centre saw a huge crowd in attendance for the cheque presentation and a surprise presentation to Breda from the tractor run committee.

The outgoing tractor committee paid tribute to Breda, and wished her luck in her new position as PPN Support Worker with Longford County Council.

Paying tribute Darren Mulledy said, “Breda will be a huge loss to Ballymahon Day Care Centre where she was manager for over six years. In her time as manager, Breda made sure the centre was open to everyone and everyone was welcome.”

The Centre is open to everyone living in parishes not only in county Longford but also in neighbouring Westmeath.

Mr Mulledy continued, “Breda is a very driven lady, always having the best interests of the clients at heart, organising activities such as exercise classes, woodwork classes, pole walking, along with day trips, hotel breaks away and bringing services into the centre such as chiropody.”

Breda never shied away from anything and she drove a little Massey 135 on the first ever Ballymahon tractor run and she drove Mike Egan's Ford 3000 on the second run.

Mr Egan presented Breda a lovely bouquet of flowers and Mr Mulledy presented Breda with a lovely Belgian chocolate biscuit cake which was made by the very talented Jacinta Oates.

Mr Mulledy talked about how the tractor runs wouldn't have been possible without the huge support from local businesses and help from the ladies who always turn up for registration and to sell tickets.

Ms Greaves thanked everyone for coming and spoke about the centre and all the positive things that's happening, one of them being of the centre’s new mini bus which is at tendering stage at the moment.

Mr Mulledy concluded, “Tea and cake was enjoyed by everyone and all got an opportunity to wish Breda well. Breda officially finished up in Ballymahon Day Care Care Centre last Thursday, November 10 and we look forward to seeing her at our Christmas party on December 21 in the Rustic Inn!”