Cullen vintage staging to benefit special needs

PLANS are at an advanced stage for the annual Cullen and District Special Needs Association Old Time Threshing and Vintage Festival on Sunday, July 24 on the grounds of Cullen GAA Ground, commencing at 1pm.

For the 18th hosting, all kinds of vintage tractors, cars and engines are promised for a fun day geared for all the family in an idyllic setting. It’s become a fixed event in the North Cork and Sliabh Luachra calendar, coinciding with local feast day ‘Laitiarain Sunday’.

Preparations have been in place for many months, machines are being oiled, belts repaired and the oat sheaves harvested last autumn by Pat O’Keeffe are awaiting the thresher, which will be the centre piece attraction of the day evoking memories of by gone days.

Secretary Moira O’Keeffe says the staging offers the younger generation an opportunity of seeing how their forebears had to work to seek out a living.

“Vintage Day provides something for the young and old, especially for enthusiasts to meet, discus, compare and admire the huge array of shining cars, tractors and stationary machines. These machines are beautifully restored and maintained”, she said.

“This year is the 50th birthday of the Mark 11 Cortina, 70th of the Zetor and 50th of the arrival of John Deere in Ireland. An added attraction this year is a Donkey Derby, children’s sports, Bubble Soccer, Sumo Wrestling, giant outdoor games, Bouncing Castle, Face Painting, Lucky dip, Raffles and much more”, said Moira.

All monies raised will be presented to centres caring for children and adults from the locality, at the Cullen Annual Weigh in.

“This funding is needed in response to the ongoing lack of government funding for respite and residential services for people with intellectual disabilities. The success of the afternoon relies heavily on the good will and support within the community through voluntary effort and as usual we appeal for more volunteers to come forward to help steward and run the many activities that will be going on”, said Moira.