Last Sunday saw the official launch of the “All Ireland Tractor Challenge” in the Anner Hotel Dublin Road here in Thurles.
Amongst the many special guests who turned out to lend their support were rugby star Denis Leamy, Tipperary Rose of Tralee finalist Alison Brolan, Pat Carey (Munster Tug-O-War), Tipp FM radio’s ‘Agreport’ presenter Jim Finn and Conor Breen (Agricultural & Plant Equipment, Cashel.)
Click HERE to view video, hereunder, in High Definition.
Last year some 1130 tractors gathered for a similar event at Thurles Racecourse, raising a colossal €40,000 for local charity and this year’s challenge, with your help, is all set to surpass all past targets. In particular, two very worthwhile charities will benifit from this event this year, namely ‘Suir Haven‘ and ‘C.A.M.E.O. Care‘.
‘Suir Haven’, as everyone knows, under the umbrella of North Tipperary Hospice is one of two cancer support centres which promotes and supports the development of hospice and palliative care in North Tipperary. The organisation supplies specialised equipment, psychological and social support for patients and their families, often regrettably towards the end stages of life.
‘C.A.M.E.O. Care’ deals with conditions which cause damage to brain function more commonly referred to as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Much of the care given to people with dementia in the home is provided by the spouse or by adult children. Many of these family ‘Carers’ are often frail and elderly themselves and may not always enjoy good physical health. Older caregivers often become so involved in a caring role that their social connections become reduced to the point that they have very limited contact with the outside world. This service aims to support ‘Carers’ in this arduous and difficult role, by providing a strong prop through, in some cases, a much needed break for those involved as carers.
How Can You Help?
Firstly: Anyone who owns a tractor are being implored to please, please bring same along on Sunday May 3rd 2015 to ‘The Turnpike’ [ Map Ref ], Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Secondly: Regardless of whether you own a tractor or not please bring along yourself and all your family to what will be a truly family fun event, with lots of activities to simply observe or indeed in which to partake.
Thirdly: Be part of this initiative yourself and join the many ‘Business Stalls,’ displaying your Goods and Services. For more information on this contact Frank at Tel: 086-8062770 or Donie at Tel: 087-4146897 or indeed Michael at Tel: 087-2712967 before April 19th next.
A massive amount of work is currently being undertaken behind the scenes for this event; under the leadership of Michael Fahey (Chairman), T.J. Donnelly (Vice Chairman), Chris Verling (Secretary), Frank Nolan (Treasurer) and their truly passionate and dedicated workforce.
Expect more intimate details on this super upcoming event here on Thurles.Info over the coming days and weeks, so do Bookmark us and stay tuned.
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