All roads lead to Enniscorthy for Gerard Murphy Memorial
SOME of the finest vintage and classic cars from around the country are set to roll into Enniscorthy on Sunday as the annual Gerard Murphy Memorial Run hits the Old Dublin Road once again. The event has grown massively in stature over the years and has now become one of the biggest events of its kind in the country, welcoming thousands of sparkling vehicles from all four corners of Ireland.
While the event initially took place in Ferns each year, such has been the growth that it has now gotten too big for the area and now sets off from the Old Dublin Road instead. Between 500 and 600 gleaming cars of every make, model and era are expected on the day with some travelling long distances to be there. This is the 7th year that the event has taken place, raising a fortune for charity in the process, and this year it takes on added significance on what would have been Gerard’s 30th birthday.
As well as being a great day out for motor enthusiasts, Gerard’s mother Bríd says it’s all about getting people talking, as well as remembering her son who died by suicide in 2011. ‘I suppose a real emphasis of the event is on getting people meeting up and talking among themselves,’ said Bríd. ‘We have people from different corners of the country who have developed great friendships and meet each other at car shows all over Ireland as a result of meeting at our event. It’s a lovely part of it. Also this year marks what would have been Gerard’s 30th birthday, so it’s a bit of a sad one for us. We’d encourage everyone to come along and take part. The run isn’t restricted to vintage or classic cars, it’s open for everyone to take part.’
Apart from a glittering array of cars with some top prizes on offer, there will be trade stands, live music, a dance stage, children’s entertainment and much more on site on the day. Registration opens from 10 a.m. and the cars are set to roll out from 1 p.m. The route as yet is a finely kept secret, but all will be revealed on the Facebook page before the end of the week. The charities set to benefit from this year’s run are Slaney Search and Rescue and The Local Hub in Glenbrohane, Co Limerick and all donations are greatly appreciated. A Ford Escort Mk II will also be up for grabs along with a number of other top raffle prizes and tickets will be on sale on the day. For further details, or for details on how to donate, visit the Gerard Murphy Memorial Facebook page.