Trains, tractors and trucks all feature at Mitchelstown's Model Mania

There was big interest in all the small models that made up last Sunday's Mitchelstown Diecast Model Show in The Firgrove Hotel. Held in association with Kevin O'Brien's 'Model Mania', the event attracted visitors from far and wide.

Some came to exhibit, some came to view, however, a lot came to buy and sell. In the world of diecast models, everything is for sale - at the right price of course.

Adults had no problem handing over the €7 admission fee, which allowed them unrestricted access to exhibitors who were displaying everything from WWII planes to old style train sets, which proved a big hit, especially with nostalgic males.

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT

The show was very family friendly with patrons from 8 to 80 in attendance. The aforementioned Kevin O'Brien was delighted with the turnout - a sentiment shared no doubt with everyone associated with Kilbehenny National School, who benefitted from the proceeds.

'Model Mania' has an impressive track record when it comes to fundraising and last Sunday was no different.

A LOT OF SETTING UP

You won't accommodate ' Model Mania' enthusiasts in your living room - these boys and girls need space, and plenty of it. Even Pat Tangney's spacious ballroom wasn't big enough and additional rooms were pressed in to service.

The diecast models are one part of the show - other elements include the various settings: farmyards, silage pits, fields, contractors' yards, railway stations, airports and even Grand Prix tracks - must be meticulously set up and taken down.

For enthusiasts, many of them very young people, it's all part of ' diecast scene' and they take it in their stride. These proud owners also need plenty of space at home, with, in several instances, extensions built on to houses to store their miniature models!

GOING HOME HAPPY

According to vendors, trade was brisk last Sunday, with most 'Model Mania' fans adding to their already extensive collections. In summary, an enjoyable indoor event that ticked all the boxes and resulted in a tidy sum being raised for Kilbehenny National School.

John Ahern) (Pic: Paddy English and Tomas Martin from, Anglesboro, who had a stand at last Sunday’s diecast model show in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.

Ahern) (Pic: John Jarlath Ennis, Mary O’Brien and Sadie O’Brien, who were among the large attendance at last Sunday’s Model Mania event in Mitchelstown.

John Ahern) (Pic: Cillian Keane, from Fermoy, displaying his models at last Sunday’s show in The Firgrove Hotel.

(Pic: John Ahern) Model car enthusiast, Neilus Carroll, from Kildorrery, who had a stand at last Sunday’s show Mitchelstown.

(Pic: John Ahern) Conor, Shane and Carol Riordan, from Burncourt, who were impressed by the exhibits at last Sunday’s Model Mania.