There was a “tremendous” turnout for a tractor and truck run which took place last Saturday, February 17 in Ballacolla, Co. Laois, in memory of the late Seán Clear, RIP.
Seán was a young local man who died tragically in New Zealand last February (2023). He was well-known in the community especially the farming community, and hurled for the local GAA club, Clough Ballacolla.
Seán’s family enlisted the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to get Seán home to Ireland.
In a bid to give something back, the proceeds of the tractor and truck run will be presented to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust because it supported the family throughout this devastating time.
The family took to social media to express their gratitude for the huge turnout for Seán:
“We’re overwhelmed with the support we received for the truck and tractor run on Saturday, you all made it a great day and night, thank you. Thanks to everyone who took part or purchased a ticket or a few tickets or made a donation.”
Overall, the day was a massive success with a total of 168 tractors and around 60 trucks taking part in the run.
Between donations and registrations for a truck or tractor, the Clear family raised just under €40,000 in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation trust.
The tractor and truck run took place in the village of Ballacolla. The run began at 5:00p.m with the trucks taking lead from Tirlán heading towards Abbeyleix, where they then turned right onto the Ballinakill Road.
The trucks then followed a route that brought them into Knock, Durrow, Johnstown, Rathdowney, Clough village and then back to Ballacolla.
The tractors then followed behind the trucks but took a slightly different route, turning left for Blackhill to go through Trumera, and back to Ballacolla via Farren cross.
The evening finished off with a raffle in Caoch O’Learys public house.