This year’s Shinrone tractor run which raises money for a range of worthy causes will take place on Sunday, December 29 with registration starting at 12:00p.m at Shinrone hall at a cost of €20 per tractor.
It is hoped to exceed last years turnout of over 200 tractors, with lots of entertainment being provided on the day including a bucking bronco bull, kids’ driving course and inflatable dart board, with refreshments being served all day helping to make this community run day one of the most successful family events of the year.
Shinrone tractor run started from humble beginnings at an IFA meeting, where guest speaker Brian Rohan from Embrace Farm gave a inspiring speech.
It was decided to organise a fundraiser, and so Shinrone tractor run was born. Over the years it has raised money for Embrace Farm, Pieta House, the Aisling Murphy fund, Offaly Hospice and numerous local charities.
This year’s chosen charities include North Tipperary Alzheimers Society, a non-profit making organisation that advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and service.
It also offers day care/day care at home, family carer training, a dementia adviser, Alzheimer cafes and social hubs.
“Also benefiting is Clonlisk National School in the heart of our community, helping and guiding the next generation to blossom as individuals and realise their full potential in life, these funds will ensure this continues,” the organisers said.
“St Vincent de Paul which will also receive funds from the tractor run, is a huge asset in our local community offering, local offices, personal visiting, education grants, people services and always there for those most in need,” they said.
“Another beneficiary is Shinrone/Coolderry Community Games, an independent voluntary organisation operating in our local community that aims to provide opportunities for children aged six to 16 to develop active healthy lives in a safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.
“Shinrone/Ballingarry tidy towns which will also receive funds from the money raised, are voluntary groups with the aim of enhancing their village, keep it litter-free and a place where people want to live and get involved,” the organisers said.
“Some of the money raised will also go to Little People of Ireland, a national charity in Ireland for people with dwarfism related conditions, providing fundamental information and support. It supports individuals and their families while also raising awareness and understanding of related conditions.
“All are the reasons these worthy charities were chosen this year. This year’s run will start at 1:00p.m and will be calling to the highways and byways of south Offaly breaking through numerous county boundaries and visiting the newly formed monastic community of Our Lady of Silence, adding to this unique experience.
“There will be a warm welcome for all sorts of vintage tractors, bikes and cars to the most powerful of modern machines. With last year’s being the most successful to date, netting nearly €24000, the committee hope to surpass that this year,” said the organisers.
A massive auction is planned for Spain’s pub, Shinrone at 7:00p.m.
Up to 50 lots of top quality goods including loads of timber, turf and coal, All-Ireland hurling final tickets, agri merchandise, rugby tickets, and autographed jerseys will be up for grabs, with Aisling Rafferty providing the entertainment for the night.
The packed programme will surely make this one of the best community run family fun day of the year, the organisers contended.