Charity tractor run raises thousands for school and Éist
Helping out at the Ballinabranna NS tractor run at Leinster Mart were Evanna Lynch, Mira Byrne, Amelia Flanagan, Katie Jordan and James Earl Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
FROM Carlow town out to Ballinabranna, there was a lively rumble of engines as the community gathered for a recent charity tractor run that raised upwards of €4,500 for worthy local causes.
Over 60 vehicles, predominantly tractors but also including cars, trucks and motorbikes, participated in the event on Sunday 23 February. Each driver paid €25 to register, with the proceeds benefiting both Ballinabranna National School and local cancer charity Éist Carlow.
“We decided to go with a cancer charity alongside raising money for the school. There are all of these brilliant charities out there, but we thought we’d support a local one rather than the bigger ones because sometimes they can be kind of overlooked,” said Garda Claire Brennan, one of the organisers.
The procession began at Leinster Marts before making its way to Ballinabranna GAA grounds, where participants were welcomed with refreshments, including tea, coffee and sandwiches. Garda Brennan, who serves on the national school committee and has children attending the school, planned the route and ensured the safety of all vehicles.
“It’s a great way for us to raise money while people are enjoying themselves at the same time,” said Garda Brennan, who has organised several other tractor runs before and hopes to see this one go ahead next year, given its success.
“Farmers, especially younger farmers, love to showcase what they’re driving, all the different horsepower, all the different sizes. But there weren’t only big ones at the run; there’s a lot of vintage tractor groups on the go and they also got an opportunity to put theirs on show,” she added.
Garda Brennan expressed gratitude to all participants, with special thanks to Jimmy Walsh and Anthony Walsh of Leinster Marts, who opened their venue on a Sunday without charging any fees.
With its impressive fundraising total and strong community spirit, the inaugural Ballinabranna charity tractor run is already being hailed as a success that organisers hope will become an annual tradition.
