Nenagh tractor run raises more than €64k for charity
By Anna Powell
Christmas Tractors Nenagh has raised €64,149 for charity from its successful parade in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Lead organiser of Christmas Tractors Nenagh 2024, Albert Purcell said: “We were delighted with the success of Christmas Tractors Nenagh 2024 and it’s great to see it growing in popularity every year.
"Last year was the seventh year of our parade. The main reason it has grown in popularity is down to the show the north Tipperary contractors and their friends put on for us every year."
The money raised from the event will be split between the organisation’s chosen beneficiaries which were The A Team, north Tipperary’s youth club for the autism community and Billy Goulding, a young boy from a farming background who was suddenly paralysed from the neck down at the age of two after being struck by a virus.
“The guys have been involved for the last seven years and they up their game every year. It’s just spectacular what they do with the lights,” Purcell added.
Every contractor who takes part in the parade funds the decoration of their own vehicle.
Not only do the contractors give up a substantial amount of their time to bring some Christmas magic to the streets of Nenagh, but they also make it possible for Christmas Tractors Nenagh to raise funds for two very worth beneficiaries.
Murt Toohey, one of the contractors who takes part in the parade each year said: “It’s brilliant to be involved in what has become such a big event every Christmas in Nenagh.
"For me, it’s reaction from the crowd, especially the kids. I’d like to think it leaves an impression and Christmas Tractors will be a childhood memory for them for years to come, and to be raising money for such fantastic causes, it’s great to be involved with such a wonderful group of people."
Simon Kennedy, another longstanding Christmas Tractors Nenagh contractor added: “I’m delighted to be involved in such a successful event as we are all big kids at heart.
"It’s great that we can come together as contractors once a year (as we are so busy throughout the year) and make such a difference in making Christmas magical in Nenagh and also raise money for our worthy beneficiaries.
"The amount raised this year is unbelievable and we are all already looking forward to putting on another magical show [next] Christmas."
Meanwhile, Eamon Gaynor another member of Christmas Tractors Nenagh echoed that sentiment: “It’s great to be part of Christmas Tractors Nenagh as we don’t often get to meet up during the year.
"My children John and Ailbhe get a great kick out of helping out on the night. The amount of time they put into putting on all the lights onto the tractors is just unreal along with a couple of John’s friends Diarmuid and Daniel.
"They usually start about a month previous to get on all the lights. It’s sometimes hard to get motivated to get ready for CTN because of how much work is involved but it’s all so worth it on the night when you see the thousands of people that turn out on the streets of Nenagh," Gaynor added.
The money raised by Christmas Tractors Nenagh will make a substantial difference to the chosen beneficiaries.
Victor Goulding, proud father of Billy Goulding, said: “We are forever grateful to Christmas Tractors Nenagh and Albert Purcell for continuing to keep Billy in mind when it comes to fundraising.
"The money raised helps Billy with physiotherapy, horse riding and sessions in an oxygen chamber every week.
"With the extra money raised this year, we are hoping to install some assistive technology in the house to give him a little more independence."
Meanwhile, Ailish Cleary, chairperson of The A-Team, the other charity which receives funds from the event added: "It is an amazing community event to be involved in. All of the money raised for the A-Team goes into our building fund.
"We are committed to creating a space for our youth club for the autistic community in north Tipperary."
