Full steam ahead for rally revived after 12-year hiatus

STEAM ENGINE enthusiasts are in for a treat because the much-loved Fenagh Steam Rally is being revived after a 12-year break.

Local residents are working hard to gather a dedicated committee together with the aim of hosting the event on 7 September.

The Fenagh Steam Rally ran for 40 years until the last event took place in 2013. Avril Nolan from The Hunter’s Rest pub in the village is one of the driving forces behind the revival.

“We’ve had a vintage day in front of the pub for the past two years, when people would bring down some engines and we saw that there was a great interest in it. We got talking and we decided to try to get it back. There’s a younger crew that’s coming on board so it’s all steam ahead now!” said Avril.

Fred Jenkinson was the main man behind the rally for decades and hosted the event on his farm in Fenagh, and now, his son Steve is one of the younger generation who are continuing the tradition.

Avril and crew are hosting an annual general meeting in the Hunter’s Rest tomorrow, Wednesday 29 January, at 8pm with the aim of forming a committee.

‘To make this vision a reality, we need your help. During the AGM, we aim to form a dedicated committee to drive this effort forward. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a newcomer to Fenagh or someone with a passion for community events, your input and assistance will be invaluable. This is an opportunity to be part of something truly special, beathing new life into a tradition that has meant so much to Fenagh and its people,’ said Avril on their dedicated Facebook page. The organisers are also looking for photos from back in the day and more recent years. If you have a photo that that you’d like to share, either drop it into to pub or email fenaghsteamrally@gmail.com