A group of Irish tractor fanatics is about to embark on a tractor run that will encompass a total distance of 1,800km, all in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.
While this year’s Carlow to Cork tractor run will start in Carlow, it might not be the same Carlow that you have in mind.
This Carlow is located in Germany, slightly to the north-west of Hamburg.
All costs involved in the run are covered by the drivers and all tractors doing the run are vintage tractors.
There will be a total of 12 tractors taking part in this section of the run, while the tractors involved will be shipped out and all drivers will fly over. A lorry will accompany the drivers to undertake recoveries if necessary.
The tractors will start in Germany, and head through the Netherlands where they will get a ferry from the Hook of Holland to Hull.
The group of tractors will then drive across England to Holyhead and get the ferry from there to Dublin Port.
Once back in Ireland, the tractors will head for Carlow where it is hoped they will arrive back in Bagenalstown on Saturday, May 25.
Cork
The run will then continue on to Cork on Friday, May 31, where 52 tractors will take part.
The tractors will go as far as Dungarvan on Friday and continue on to ‘Halfway’ – a village – in Co. Cork on Saturday, June 1.
As part of the fundraising efforts, a Massey Ferguson 135 Multi-Power (pictured above – coupled to a four-axle Smyth trailer) will be raffled off at the end of the year. This tractor has been treated to a full restoration and is in “show-room condition”.
Tickets are priced at €10 each or three for €20. They are available online at: tractorrun.com.
All proceeds raised will go to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.