Kingdom tractor run gearing up for more success
While this time last year no tractor run had taken place in Dingle in generations, organisers of the West Kerry Tractor Run are now gearing up to host their second event.
Last winter Dingle welcomed 147 tractors for a run that raised over €40,000 for local charities.
The event stemmed from a fundraising idea of JP O’Sullivan. JP, from Lispole, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2011, and the only way he would survive was by receiving a transplant.
“In August 2016 I got the call that I had a match and underwent surgery. I’ve had my ups and downs since but my life has been saved and I’ve gotten a second chance and wanted to give back to the incredible team at the Mater Hospital in Dublin and the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA),” he explains.
JP wanted to hold a fundraiser in aid of the ILFA but wasn’t sure what to do since “every stunt” had been done in west Kerry before.
JP eventually decided that he would organise a tractor run and split the funds between the ILFA and An Gairdin Mhuire day care centre in Dingle.
The event was a huge success — it captured international attention when a drone photograph of the army of tractors taking part was posted by US news site ABC.
This year West Kerry Mental Health Association will be the main benefactor, while the ILFA and An Gairdin Mhuire will be secondary benefactors.
Local nurse Maire Treasa Ni
A selection of the tractors that took part in last year’s West Kerry Tractor Run.
Chonchuir, a member of the West Kerry Mental Health Association, says the tractor run funds will help guarantee the future of its service.
“It will help us continue in to the future. Transport is a big issue in the area. People find it hard to get to our classes so it would be great if we could put any funds raised toward
providing a transport service to them,” she says.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who donates as everything we do is voluntary.”
Volunteers will be holding bucket collections at various locations in Dingle on Friday, with the local Corca Dhuibhne Macra club playing
a major part in organising.
The tractor run will take on Sunday, December 1 at 12 noon, with registration at Lispole Fish Farm open from 11am.
For more information on how you can donate or take part visit West Kerry Tractor Run’s Go Fund Me page.
Last year the West Kerry Tractor Run welcomed 147 tractors and raised over €40,000 for local charities