GALLERY: Castlepollard Tractor Run
Tractor light up run for ASD Unit at St Michael's, Castlepollard
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Pauric, Oscar and Charlie Connelly with his Deutz D.30, imported from Italy.Image 2 of 12
Helping were Declan Moran, Darragh Gallagher, Andrew Dowdall, Mikey the boy Glennon and Sean Reilly.Image 3 of 12
Dáithí Reilly and Caoimhe Dermody.Image 4 of 12
Liam Sullivan with his MF 135 lit up and ready for the run.Image 5 of 12
Children from the St Michael’s NS Autism Unit getting ready to board the bus and join the convoy of tractors.Image 6 of 12
Stan, Shay and Liam Smyth.Image 7 of 12
Some of the helpers at the tractor run – Breda Mulvey, Geraldine Nea, Catherine Moore and Catherine McLoughlin.Image 8 of 12
Aaron Middleton, Christy Maguire, Isla McCormack, Kayleigh Nugent, Demelza Nugent, Cormac Maguire and Aoibhinn Middleton out to support the autism unit fundraiser.Image 9 of 12
Getting ready for the tractor run in Castlepollard were Aisling and Harry Cassin, Seamus, Conor and Ciara Fay.Image 10 of 12
Helping with the St Michael’s NS Autism Unit tractor run were Martin Egan, Christy Salmon and James Sheridan.Image 11 of 12
James and Andy Crum getting ready for the tractor run.Image 12 of 12
Cody Ward and Marc Davis.On Saturday week last, at Castlepollard Hurling Club, a tractor run was held to raise funds for the ASD Unit in St Michael’s NS. On what was a wonderful evening, 80 vehicles took part, their owners having illuminated their tractors, trucks and buses and departed the complex in convey around the area. There was a great crowd present to see them off as well as on the square in Castlepollard. Even Santa and Mrs Claus made an appearance, arriving by horse and trap. They kindly delivered little gifts to all the children present.
Refreshments were served afterwards by a team of helpers in the clubhouse. There was a raffle and auction, with lots of prizes donated from individuals and businesses in the greater Castlepollard area.
Many of the pupils in the ASD classes were in attendance and travelled by bus on the run. The whole event was coordinated by Townspark Vintage Club, who organised the route, while members functioned as stewards on the night also. Castlepollard Hurling Club provided their premises and had a sensory space in place for the pupils who required it.
The event grew momentum in the weeks ahead of it, thanks to the fantastic work of the parents of the pupils in the unit. The school wishes to sincerely thank all those who supported the venture, particularly those who jazzed up their vehicles as well as those who sponsored prizes and everyone who gave so generously.
It was a memorable occasion that showed the meaning of community spirit. All money raised will be used to provide additional resources for the pupils and allow them to engage in programmes to support their care and sensory needs.