A fiesta of classic cars on display in Baltinglass
This rare Triumph Dolomite 1938 was among the cars that took part at the Baltinglass vintage car rally
CLASSIC cars and motorcycles were on display on the streets of Baltinglass earlier this month, drawing vintage vehicles from across the country to take part and enter their beloved motors in the accompanying competition.
The road run, which was organised by the West Wicklow Classic and Vintage Vehicle Club, set off on a route taking in scenic roads around the country, with a break in the grounds of St Patrick’s College, Kiltegan before turning back for Baltinglass town. Participants then sat down to a post-event meal in Germaine’s ahead of the prizegiving and raffle.
Two Carlow motorists were among the prizewinners â Nigel McCord from Myshall took the award for best modern classic, while Emma Sparkes from Ballon won best modern classic Fiesta in a special series of categories marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Ford Fiesta.
Car of the show went to John Stanley from Ballyknockan for his 1938 Triumph Dolomite, an exceptionally rare car. Bill Coleman from Ballyhahill, Co Limerick was the furthest travelled and Martin Darcy took best 4x4 with his 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero.
The Fiesta anniversary brought out a large number of Ford models. Best Fiesta overall went to Ger Kielthy from Ballyanna, Co Wexford, while Kathleen Darcy from Tinahely had the oldest, a 1977 model.
Con Shanahan from Castlelyons, Co Cork won best Mk I Fiesta and also took the further travelled Fiesta award. Best Mk2 Fiesta went to Caitriona Kavanagh from Kiltegan and best modified Fiesta to David Murphy from Kilmacow, Co Kilkenny.
A raffle followed the awards ceremony and medals were presented to the winners of the children’s art competition.
Club chairman Ned Kinsella thanked everyone who took part, along with the event’s sponsors, the street marshals, motorcycle marshals on the route, registration crew who handled entry, ticket sellers and those who helped during the build-up and on the day.
Run by West Wicklow Classic and Vintage Vehicle club, the show has been held since 2010 and has grown into one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. All proceeds will go to Baltinglass Day Care Centre and to the Realta unit at Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Baltinglass, which caters for autistic children and those with additional needs.
