Silage fever heats up but tractor show must go on
THE long lasting spell of sunshine across the country has sent silage season into overdrive with endless outfits of tractors, trailers and harvesters racing through the meadows.
Meanwhile, classic Fords and Massey Fergusons are hopping up and down the bog roads to bring home hard earned fuel for the winter.
Despite the pressure and demand for tractor work, 34 farmers, from all over the Royal county, made time to showcase their finest vehicles, big and small, at this year’s Skyrne tractor run in aid of local charity, Meath River Rescue.
David Clarke, event organiser said: “The good weather has almost every tractor in the country out drawing silage but we still managed to put on a great show. We raised €1,540 for Meath River Rescue thanks to a brilliant turnout of families and friends who came to support us”.
Christopher Rennicks, chairman of the non-profit organisation — established in 1996 by a group of local swimmers and divers — said all funds will go towards the upkeep of the invaluable service.
“It will be spent on the day-to-day running of the organisation, upgrading new suits, keeping petrol in the boats so we can continue to provide a fast and effective service to the local community. People don’t realise how important a river rescue is until they see it in action,” he said.
Last December, during the high floods, the group was involved in a rescue operation that lasted more than 20 days after a young man tragically got into difficulty. During their most recent search the crew located the person after just two hours.
“We are on 24 hour call and work closely with the gardai but you never know how long a search will last so funds are crucial. We would like thank the organisers and everyone who took part, it was a terrific success,” he said.
The Royal event is kicking off the summer season of tractor runs that are vital to local communities as fundraisers. The Kilflynn vintage tractor road run’ will take place in Kerry on June 18, the Ahiohill tractor, car and bike run will take place in Cork on Sunday June 19 as will the Kilmeedy vintage rally in Limerick. There was great interest in the vintage display at the Ballivor horse show in Meath last weekend, strong crowds also attended the Louth county agricultural show.
More than 300 tractors took part in a special tractor run in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, in memory of loving father Kieran Flynn who was fatally injured a farm accident in 2012.Mr Flynn was baling with his son Gerry when he slipped and fractured three vertebrae. He lost his battle for life three days later. Family and friends organised the 20 mile Kieran Flynn Memorial Run in aid of farm accident group Embrace.