Ballygar Truckin’ will return this October Bank Holiday weekend with a programme of events aimed at raising awareness and funds for autism, supporting local charity BNT Le Chéile and national autism charity AsIAm.

Since it was founded in 2013, Ballygar Truckin’ has raised more than €250,000 for charitable causes.

This year, the event will focus on improving awareness, understanding and inclusion of autistic people, while raising funds to support individuals and families both locally and nationally.

The weekend’s programme will feature a 624km challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head, a stationary cycling challenge in Ballygar, the popular Truck and Tractor Run, a charity auction and live music.

Top to Toe for Autism to launch weekend

The weekend gets underway today (Friday, October 23), with Top to Toe for Autism, featuring two challenges covering the same distance of 624km.

A Massey Ferguson 35 tractor will set off from Malin Head and attempt to travel to Mizen Head within 24 hours.

At the same time, a team of cyclists will attempt to cover the same distance on a stationary High Nelly bicycle in Ballygar.

Both challenges will begin together, with supporters invited to follow their progress and get behind the fundraising effort.

Supporting autistic people locally and nationally

Ballygar Truckin’ chairperson Michael John Slyman said the event was about bringing people together for a worthwhile cause.

He said: “Ballygar Truckin’ has always been about bringing people together, having a great weekend and doing something worthwhile at the same time. This year, our focus is firmly on autism.

“We are very proud to be supporting BNT Le Chéile locally and AsIAm nationally, and our hope is that the money raised over the weekend will ultimately help improve the quality of life of autistic people and their families, both here in our own community and across Ireland.”

Charity

BNT Le Chéile is a local voluntary charity supporting the communities of Ballygar, Newbridge and Toghergar.

Funds raised for the organisation through Ballygar Truckin’ 2026 will be ring-fenced for local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of autistic people and their families, including projects promoting inclusion, accessibility and participation.

AsIAm, Ireland’s leading autism charity, works towards a society where every autistic person is accepted, included and supported to live a life of their own choosing.

Funds raised will support its work with autistic people and their families across Ireland, including information and support services, advocacy, education and community engagement.

Drivers, families and supporters are encouraged to take part in the weekend’s events and help raise funds and awareness for autism.

Truck and Tractor Run returns on Sunday

On Sunday, October 25, Ballygar will welcome back its popular Truck and Tractor Run, attracting drivers, enthusiasts and spectators from across the region and beyond.

The Kids Rolley Truck and Tractor Run will begin at 2:30p.m, followed by the main Truck and Tractor Run at 3:00p.m.

The day’s fundraising will continue at 7:30p.m with the Ballygar Truckin’ Charity Auction at Fallon’s Bar, featuring a selection of items to be auctioned in support of the nominated charities.

The weekend will conclude with live music from Paul Kelly at 11:30p.m in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.

Schedule

The event schedule for the weekend is as follows.

Friday, October 23

Top to Toe for Autism: Massey Ferguson 35 tractor challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head, covering 624km within 24 hours;
Stationary High Nelly cycling challenge covering 624km outside Kenny’s Bar, Ballygar.

Sunday, October 25

2:30p.m: Kids’ Rolley Truck and Tractor Run;
3:00p.m: Ballygar Truck and Tractor Run;
7:30p.m: Charity Auction at Fallon’s Bar;
11:30pm: Live music with Paul Kelly at the Mattie McDonagh Centre.