Impish Grinch makes trouble at tractor run launch event!
Image 1 of 2
Sgt Brian Stone, Mullingar Community Policing Unit, with members of the St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee, Aisling Coleman, Orla Carolan (as the Grinch) James Bourke, Anne Prendergast (as Elf), Ruth Illingworth, and (front) Ray Dolan, holding a little truck to indicate that the fundraiser is for lorries as well as tractors. In the cab of the tractor is Chris Dolan, chairperson of the Mullingar Agricultural Show Committee.Image 2 of 2
The moment the Grinch was arrested.The launch of the Christmas Lights Tractor and Truck Run fundraiser on the Market Square was disrupted by a mischievous Grinch last Tuesday evening, but luckily, local gardaí were on hand.
Sgt Stone from the Community Garda Unit at Mullingar station was there to observe proceedings, and he was quick to spring into action when he was called on.
He whipped out the handcuffs when the Grinch’s antics were reported to him, and after a chase around the John Deere, decorated with fairy lights for the occasion, he apprehended the culprit, and warned her she’d be going to jail.
That was all a bit of fun of course, and the event in general was light hearted too.
It was presented by the St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee to launch the Christmas Lights Tractor and Truck Run Fundraiser which is to take place on Saturday December 9.
Chris Dolan, chairperson of the Mullingar Agricultural Show, drove his new John Deere 6R155 CommandPRO into town for the launch. The show committee (who celebrate the 100th show in 2024) won the best float prize at the 2023 St Patrick’s Festival parade, and it was for that reason that Chris and his tractor were invited to launch the fundraiser for the 2024 festival.
The Christmas Lights Tractor and Truck Run fundraiser on December 9 will start at Forest Park at 5.30pm and run through the town centre as far as the Dublin Bridge.
Funds raised at the tractor run will be split - 50% to the Paediatric Unit of Mullingar Hospital and 50% towards the running of the festival. All donations are welcome.
Registration is from 4.30pm (€25 cash on the day, or an idonate link can be sent by email for payment). Participants can register early at winterfestmullingar.ie/christmas-tractor-run.
Ray Dolan of the St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee said there has been great interest in the tractor and truck run already and he promised “an unbelievable day”. He thanked the various agencies, including Westmeath County Council and the gardaí, and other groups who are supporting the fundraiser and the St Patrick’s Day Festival.
If you would like to become involved in the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Parade in any way, (volunteer, committee, sponsorship, donations, floats) email: mullingarstpatricksday@gmail.com and follow progress on plans for the weekend at mullingarstpatricksdayfestival.com and on Facebook or Instagram.
In this video (in case you can't hear what Ray is saying), he's explaining that the fundraiser is for trucks as well as tractors, and he's using a toy truck, inspired by Father Ted explaining perspective to Father Dougal.