Ardattin vintage rally had it all

THE South-Eastern Vintage Machinery Club (SEVMC) held its 45th annual rally in late July in conjunction with the Irish Vintage Engine Tractor Association in Ardattin.

While the rally featured the usual display of vintage cars, steam engines and tractors, there were also several amusements and stands for children to ensure that the rally was fun for all the family.

The event had a number of live demonstrations, including hay making which saw two horses and old tractors working together over the course of the day, as well as a mechanical saw bench that was driven and powered by a steam engine.

There were also many exhibits from Carlow sugar factory, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of its opening.

Volunteers from Tullow Day Care provided refreshments in a tent and the proceeds from the sale of tickets went to the day care centre.

“Tullow Day Care do great work in Tullow and the surrounding area,” Sean Carroll, chairperson of the SEVMC, said.

For the first time, the rally had a craft tent, which, Sean said, was a big success and he hopes to see it become a permanent feature of the rally.

“We had a great day, there was a lot of support from the public as always,” Sean said.

He and the rest of the SEVMC committee extend thanks to the people who make the rally possible every year, the various landowners for the use of their land, the exhibitors, some of whom travel from afar, Tullow Day Care for providing refreshments, the stewards who helped get people in and out of the rally safely, the club members and their families and friends who spent the past six months organising the event and all the local people who turned out in support of the rally.