A vintage Mid Kerry rally sets a gold standard
ORGANISERS SAY THIS WAS THE BIGGEST CROWD SINCE THE INAUGURAL 2012 EVENT
THE fine weather held up for this year’s Mid Kerry Vintage Rally, and co-organiser Denis Tangney feels it played its part in attracting one of its biggest ever crowds to Brackhill in Castlemaine.
The event started out in 2012, and Denis is of the opinion that this was the largest attendance he had seen at the rally since that founding year.
“We were delighted and very, very surprised at the size of the crowd,” he said “It broke all kinds of records. We were raising funds for the Oncology Unit in University Hospital Kerry (UHK). We’ve no account of the funds raised yet, but I’d say it will be very good.”
The event has raised some €102,000 for good causes since its foundation six years ago. Organised by a trio comprising of Denis, Mike McKenna, and Brendan Dennehy, Denis attributes some of its success to visiting similar rallies all over Munster and having the favour returned.
There was a whole host of vintage pieces such as threshing machines, tractors, cars, bikes, and tools on show, with other attractions such as butter-making, sheaf-throwing, food, spot-prizes, and sheep-shearing adding even more to the occasion. There was also a wide range of children’s entertainment such as face-painting and bouncing castles, which secured a crowd of all ages.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped, especially Ken O’Neill, Geaney Oil, and Colman Cronin for giving us space to set up for the day,” Denis said.“I’d also like to thank our volunteers and committee. Without them, the event wouldn’t have been able to take place. Those who sponsored us and provided spot-prizes and food deserve a word of thanks as well.”