Hundredsoftractorsmakedawnrunfor Killarneytoturnthedarknessintolight
IF you were on the roads leading to Faha Court in the very early hours, you may have been left to wonder why a convoy of tractors was heading for the Killarney area in the middle of the night.
It turns out that hundreds of tractor drivers from all over the county, and a few from outside the county bounds also, were on their way to Killarney Country Club to assemble from 5.30am, ending the year on the worthiest of notes by raising funds for Pieta House.
The Richard Giles “Darkness Into Light” memorial tractor run took place for the first time on New Year’s Eve, but Robert Giles – one of the main men behind this event commemorating his uncle, Richard – was left astounded as 224 tractors rolled in to take part in an hour-and-ahalf loop around the Killarney area. The turnout was so strong he is confident the event can now become an annual fixture.
Inspired by the Darkness Into Light event – Pieta House’s iconic five-kilometre dawn walk – Robert felt a tractor run was a fitting tribute to his uncle, given his great love of machinery. He was deeply thankful for the success of this unique run.
“We had tractors from all over: Dingle, Kenmare, Cork, everywhere,” he said.
“It was €20-per-tractor, but we got more donations as well. We don’t have an exact figure yet, but we think it’ll be around €5,500, roughly, all going to Pieta House.
“It was the first time ever it was held, but I think we’ll go again – we were only expecting around 100, so we were delighted.
“I’d like to thank the Gardaí and the stewards for helping us out on the morning, and everyone behind the scenes, including all the donors and sponsors of raffle prizes, and all my family for their support.
“I must also thank Seán Mahony of Faha Court and Charlie Coakley for proving all the parking we needed. Let’s hope we’ll be back next year!”