The organisers of an annual tractor run in Tipperary have decided to “go virtual” this year in order to raise funds for two great local causes, to counter the limitations brought about by Covid-19.

Knock Tractor Run, which is now in its sixth year in the village of Knock, near Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, will seek to build on the Trojan fundraising efforts of previous years with its latest event.

This will be a “virtual tractor run”, which will be posted on the event’s Facebook page.

Those interested in taking part are asked to “send in a video or photo of your pride and joy and then donate to be in with a chance of winning many fantastic prices”.

A deadline and event time will be announced at a later date, but some of the prizes up for grabs include: a DeWalt drill and Makita drill bit set; a full-width custom mud-flap for a truck or tractor; a kid-size Knock Tractor Team jacket; a spanner set machine work lights; a fleece; and a Grassmen hamper.

Donations can be made to the event’s GoFundMe page.

Knock Tractor Run in previous years. Image source: Knock Tractor Run Facebook page

On the page, the organisers note: “Over the last six years Knock Tractor Run has run a fundraising tractor run annually in which many causes and charities have benefitted from the proceeds.

“Unfortunately this year we cannot have our usual fundraising event due to the Covid-19 pandemic and all that comes with it regarding restrictions, guidelines and such.

“The pandemic has had an impact on community funding and the income that charities normally receive.

This year the committee would like to continue to raise much needed funds and continue to support both North Tipperary Hospice [Roscrea Branch] and the Dean Maxwell community nursing unit Roscrea.

“We invite you to donate whatever you can on this platform, or by contacting the Facebook page or a committee member. Also if you know of anyone not on social media, perhaps you could help them to donate also.”

tractor run

Knock Tractor run in previous years. Image source: Esther Fox