Great day out in vintage style at Banna rally

HUGE CROWDS ATTEND THE MAURICE COLLINS VINTAGE RALLY ON EASTER SUNDAY

FROM tractor runs to farm-skills competitions, from machinery displays to tractor builds, it was another vintage edition of the Maurice Collins’ Memorial Vintage Day at the weekend.

This was the 10th running, the first having taken place in 2008, and the attendance over the weekend for both the vintage day and the preceding tractor run would suggest the event’s popularity hasn’t waned in that time.

Coming almost nine years to the day since Maurice Collins’ passing, the hugely successful event has raised more than €45,000 for local charities including €10,000 last year for the Kerry-Cork Health Link Bus.

This year’s chosen beneficiaries were Downs Syndrome Kerry, and Kerry Hospice and the Palliative Care unit at University Hospital Kerry (UHK), and both charities will be at the centre of a cheque presentation next Saturday night at Ballyroe Hotel.

“There was plenty to draw the crowd: the incredibly popular dog show; live entertainment; a tractor and farm-skills competition; the vintage machinery; stalls; and a whole heap of family and kids activities,” Organising Committee member Kathleen McCarthy told The Kerryman.

“We were delighted to have the Cork’s Ladies Tractor Build present. We had items like an old-time saw and crusher on display, and around 350 exhibitors in total.

“When Maurice passed away, we were all wondering what would be the best way of honouring him. He loved vintage, so we felt this was the way to go, and it’s been very successful. I’d like to thank everyone who helped out in any way, and I’m delighted that the weather was kind to us over the weekend,” she added.

John,Caoimhe and Aoibhinn Dee, Cassie,Tia and Tina O’Sullivan getting up close to some of the exciting machinery on display in Banna on Easter Sunday.

Alan kennelly, Eric Quinlan, Seamus Quirke and Pat O’Connor at the Vintage Rally in memory of Maurice Collins in Banna on Easter Sunday.

Willie Kelly and his Great Dane (right) with Mike Leen and his mini Shetland pony at the Vintage Rally in Banna.

Billy and Leona Kelly meeting an adorable mini Shetland at the Maurice Collins Vintage on Sunday.

86-year-old Kitty McCarthy of Ballymacquinn, Banna, gets to grips with one of the vintage tractors at the Maurice Collins Vintage Day on Sunday.