Impressive turnout for annual Haulie tractor run

ALTHOUGH it may have tried its best, the notoriously fickle Irish weather was unable to dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of people who turned out to celebrate the life of young Glanworth man Micheál ‘Haulie Murphy.

The annual Haulie Murphy Memorial Run saw more than 170 tractors and trucks take to the highways and byways of North Cork in memory of the “tractor mad” teenager who lost his life in a tragic accident four-years ago.

Once again, the convoy of tractors was led by the late Haulie’s brother Dean, while his father headed up the more than 20 trucks that wound its way from Glanworth to Kildorrery, Shanballymore, Killavullen and Ballyhooly before heading back to the field in Glanworth for refreshments and entertainment.

Organising committee member Ciaran Roche said that if anything the rainy weather proved to be something of an advantage.

“As the day was wet the tractors were not working. The wet start and dry finish to the day was ideal from our point of view. Even with the rain, there were plenty of supporters lining the route, which was great to see,” said Ciaran.

“In addition to people from the area, tractors can from Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford to take part in the run. The Murphy family was delighted to see so many people come out to take part in the day and remember the young man who meant so much to the community,” he added.

Profits from this years run will go towards the cost of a life-changing treatment for Castletownroche girl Faith Browne who has spastic diplegia, a condition that severely inhibits movement in her lower limbs resulting in stiffness and balance issues that mean she is unable to stand, walk or even crawl without help.

Faith also Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD), a rare hearing condition that blocks the transmission of sound from the inner ear to the brain.

“The Hope for Faith campaign approached us to ask if we could help and we were delighted to do so. As I understand it they are close to reaching their target and we are hoping that the money raised from this years run will help them get closer to that goal,” said Ciaran.

The organising committee of The Haulie Murphy Memorial Run - Annie Roche, Frances and Pat ‘Spud’ Murphy (Haulie Murphy’s parents) and Ciaran Roche with Faith Browne her parents Dave Carroll and Lisa Browne and her sister Lydia Browne. Photos: Pauline...

Haulie Murphy’s brother Dean and parents Pat ‘Spud’ and Frances at the start line last Sunday. Right: Michael Heffernan from the Mogeely Vintage Club.

Above: Martin Lyons, Gerry Shelly, Vincent Dennehy, Sean Quinn, and Mike O’Farrell helped enure the day went smoothly.

Mikey Dineen, and Irene and Patrick Michael Nyhan braved the elements to support last Sunday’s run.