Published: Thursday, 27th May, 2010 12:06pm

Full Steam ahead at Kilbeggan

The crowds in Kilbeggan may have gathered to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Ms. Sile Seoige but it was two year old Tiernán McGee Grennan that captured their hearts.

Kilbeggan and the Distillery had been chosen as the location for the launch of the "Dublin to Cork Steam Engine Run", in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. Little Tiernan had joined Síle on one of the engines outside and later, MC Maire Hayes explained that Tiernan was himself a beneficiary of the sterling work done at Crumlin: "Everyone knows someone who has received incredible help at Our Lady's."

Tiernan, Maire told those gathered, was born, weighing a mere 7lbs, with his left kidney bigger than the right and doctors were prepared for the worst. He had his first operation at just 6 weeks old. Not only did Tiernan thrive in the expert care at Our Lady's but his mother and father benefitted from the facilities put in place for the family including accommodation and support.

The Midland Gateway Town of Kilbeggan, was selected as the most suitable location to launch the "Dublin to Cork Steam Engine Run.

Mr Gerry Cully from the Children's Medical and Research Foundation explained in his address that Our Lady's was down €4 million in funding this year and that he wanted to extend the thanks of the doctors and nurses for the ongoing financial support that was provided by fundraising events like this one.

"This is great work and this support allows us to continue the quality care our little patients receive," he said.

Mr Cully added that many of his little patients would love to be there with him, seeing the beautiful reconditioned steam engines.

The unique event was launched by RTE's Sile Seoige who wished all the drivers, supporters and collectors the very best on their adventure and told people to tell everyone along the route to come out in support.

Also attending the event were Dr. John Teeling, Founder and Chairman of Cooley Distillery and Brian Quinn, Manager of Lockes Distillery, Tom Heavey, Editor of the Irish Vintage Scene Magazine and members of the Irish Steam Engine Owners Association,

The Irish Steam Engine Owners Association have been organising Steam Rallies in Ireland for over 25 years. The "Dublin to Cork Road Run" will take place this weekend, Saturday May 29th to Saturday June 5th. The 150 mile trip will see the classic engines visiting many towns along the route including Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Johnstown, Urlingford, Cashel, Mitchelstown, Fermoy, and Cork City.