Pristine vehicles glistened in the sun for tractor run in aid of Clonegal church

A FLEET of pristine tractors and vintage cars glistened in glorious sunshine last week for a hugely successful tractor run in aid of St Brigid’s Church bicentenary celebrations. The event attracted huge numbers from the Clonegal Kildavin Parish and beyond, with lots of participants, volunteers and spectators involved.

“It was fantastic – a great day and a great turnout from all the tractor and car enthusiasts,” said Brigid Ryan from the bicentenary committee.

“We had everyone from the young to the young at heart … and all the tractors shining and so well turned out,” she added.

The tractor run took off from Spellman Hall, Kildavin for a tour through Clonegal village, down to Parkbridge and then through local townlands to arrive back at Spellman Hall.

There, participants enjoyed a well-earned cuppa and refreshments while enjoying a chat with all who took part.

“We had great help, from the road stewards to people helping set up the field, the catering department, the ladies doing the registration, people looking after the raffle … it was great,” said Brigid.

“We’d a great number of people out to cheer on the run, too, as well and lots of people who came to wish us well, including minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and deputy Catherine Callaghan,” she added.

This is the third event in aid of St Brigid’s Church bicentenary celebrations as the community comes together to raise funds for the refurbishment of the much-loved 200-year-old parish church in Clonegal.

Construction on St Brigid’s Church began in 1824 and it was finally completed in 1827. With this milestone anniversary now upon the community, it was an opportune time to renovate and refresh the church, with plans for electrical works, painting, refurbishing the interiors and work on the externals, including windows and possibly the roof.

Previous fundraising events included a carol service at Christmas and a talk on the history of St Brigid’s Church by historian Dr Kevin Whelan.

“There are considerable costs involved, but we’ve made a great start and support has been fantastic. We’ve a great parish led by Fr Pat Hughes and assisted by Fr Andy Leahy and the committee,” said Brigid.

“St Brigid’s Church is the centre of so much in the community and she deserves a facelift. We’ll hopefully have that on 1 February 2027, when we can have a massive celebration in the parish to celebrate the bicentenary with all our renovations done. That’s what we are aiming for,” added Brigid.