Emily and Hugh O'Hara from Streete out for the charity tractor run last week.

Tractors sparkle on annual charity run around Streete

The annual fairy light tractor run at Streete on Wednesday evening last was a phenomenal success and brought huge excitement to the parish park.

As the first of many tractors started to appear and as the evening darkened, almost 70 vehicles decked out in Christmas fairy lights rolled out on their 20km journey around the area adding great cheer to the festive spirit. The event raised almost €2000.

Eamon Carthy, chairman of St Christopher’s, Edgeworthstown branch, extended grateful thanks to everybody who took part and supported the event.

The Christmas fairy light tractor run was organised by the parish park committee, who also expressed their gratitude to the volunteers who helped out and ensured the event was a success.

One of the organisers, Kevin Brady, said that the funds raised will give much-needed support to the local branch of St Christopher’s, which provides individual care to people with special needs to reach their full potential.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect: we were in the height of the Covid lockdown just before Christmas, with everything closed, and we were looking at bleak prospects for the new year,” said Kevin.

“The fairy light tractor run seemed to brighten up an evening for everyone, young and old. It was great to see the spirit of Christmas light up the kids’ faces as the tractors rolled past – especially the little ones up on their dads’ shoulders pointing at the flashing lights with great enthusiasm and wonder.”

Last year’s event attracted more than 70 tractors, which provided a great night’s entertainment for people who gathered at crossroads and along the roadside to watch the convoy drive by. “This year we are a little down on the number, but managed more than 60. Considering the weather wasn’t great and a lot of owners had contributed to other tractor runs over the days following Christmas, it is very commendable,” said Kevin, adding that the feedback from the drivers was great and they are already looking forward to getting back on the road again for the fairy light run 2023.

Another significant date on the Streete calendar of events is the vintage show on June 25, 2023, he concluded.

Ryan Gilligan from Streete.
Chloe Archie and Sophie Reeder on Wednesday evening.
Shane Fahy and Lucy Norton at the tractor run.
Oisin Kiernan, Oisin Reynolds, Aaron Daly and Jack Carthy in Streete,
Edel Kiernan, Mel French, Aine O'Neill and Gerry O'Neill at the refresments stand.
Sean Gilhooley, Mary Heeney, James Gilhooley and Paul Gilhooley at the community centre.
Shane Dempsey, Gerard Dempsey and Jason Kerrigan at the tractor run in Streete,
Willow and Martina Parker at the Streete parish centre,
Eamon Carthy, Kevin Brady, Patrick McLoughlin and Peter Tigh at Wednesday's tractor run.
John Rogan in the kitchen.
Emily and Hugh O'Hara from Streete.