Annual tractor charity run in Fore retains plenty of pull
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Tractor run at ForeImage 2 of 15
Ben Kalen, Sean Newman, Allen Walsh, Darragh FitzsimonsImage 3 of 15
Raymond Halpin, Thomas Halpin, Michelle SweeneyImage 4 of 15
Christopher McDermid, Sean Trainer before the tractor runImage 5 of 15
Beatrice Caffey, Fidelma CunninghamImage 6 of 15
Andy McCorrmack, Stephan McCorrmack, Holly McCorrmackImage 7 of 15
Organisers Darragh Gallagher, Stephan Nolan, Rose-Mary CoffeeImage 8 of 15
Orla Gallagher, Valerie Buckley, Sinead Williams, Clodagh GallagherImage 9 of 15
Peter Hoey, Katie Hoey from DelvinImage 10 of 15
Ciarán Williams from Collinstown, Luke O’Reilly from Granard, Luke O’Reilly from GranardImage 11 of 15
Kerie Reilly, Christy Brady outside The Abbey HouseImage 12 of 15
James Lynch from Oldcastle with dog Copper and Tractor Massey Ferguson 5065Image 13 of 15
Mark Kelly, Cian Kelly from MoylaghImage 14 of 15
Darragh Gallagher, Fr Martin Carley parish priest Collinstown/ForeImage 15 of 15
Conner Caffery from Cavan with his Black 135 Massey FergusonThe Fore Harvest Tractor Run took place on Sunday October 26, starting and finishing at The Abbey House Bar in the village. The annual event has been running since 2017 and continues to be a major fundraiser for the local community.
The tractor run was originally established to support the parish church, but in recent years the focus has been raising money for the local schools, while some of the funds raised continue to be donated to the church and to support older residents of the parish.
The tractor run is linked to the Halloween Walk, which takes place on Halloween night, and is assisted by the parents associations at the local schools.
The event on Halloween night is on the Nancy to Nellie walk, which will be decorated with lights and music.
This year’s run opened for registration at 1pm, and vehicles departed at 2pm to travel a 20-25-kilometre route around the parish. The route was planned to stay within the local area, passing Fore Abbey and looping towards Hilltown before returning to the starting point. Organisers noted that due to the time of year, the route is kept to about an hour to ensure the run finishes before dark.
Participation varies year to year depending on weather and availability, with last year's participation being close to 100 tractors in attendance, including both modern machinery and vintage models. Classic cars also take part, with past entries including a notable Model T Ford linked to the Michael Collins, a popular attraction whenever it appears.
Although this was the first year the event experienced wet weather, support remained strong. The event is primarily coordinated by two organisers Rose-Mary Coffee and Darragh Gallagher with support from parents associations from the local schools and volunteers who help with ticket sales, food preparation and raffle activities. Many parish residents donate food, making the post-run barbecue, tea and refreshments a major part of the day.
An auction and raffle were held following the run, featuring items donated by locals and supporters of the cause.
Plans are expected to continue for future years, keeping the tractor run a well-established and valued event in the Fore community calendar.