Killarney club enjoys vintage day on the road

ANYONE in the south Kerry area on Sunday could have seen any number of 30 vintage car or 20 vintage tractor drivers enjoying the most scenic of drives, as Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage took to the roads in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry and Recovery Haven.

An annual fund-raiser, the run began from their base near Kerry Mental Health Association in Killarney. The cars, all made before 1998, went off towards Glencar, the drivers stopping for a bite to eat in Kells, before returning home via Dooks and Beaufort for refreshments at the Ros Café. The tractors were brought towards Beaufort and back by Aghadoe direction, meaning all participants enjoyed splendid views.

The day also saw a 1989 Land Rover Defender, currently undergoing something of a makeover, showcased to the public at the club’s base, and Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage PRO Tom Leslie was delighted with how the day’s schedule went off.

“We had 30 cars and 20 tractors, and everyone involved found it a most enjoyable day,” he said.

“It’s an annual event that has proven very popular with the public.”

This finest of Sunday drives was reason enough for excitement, but there will be more reason for locals interested in vintage to feel eager ahead of the coming months.

“We’ll be raffling off the Land Rover Defender after it’s done up on November 17,” Tom explained to The Kerryman.

“Tickets will be on sale for €10 from May 1,” he added.

By Michelle Cooper Galvin. Photo Sean O’Donoghue (third from left) with his 1973 Citreon. With Tom Wharton, Eilis and Aoife Cronin

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Members and supporters of the Killarney Valley Vintage Club with the 1989 Land Rover which is being restored at the club’s headquarters.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Marie, Liam, Kieran and Tom Glover

Cooper Galvin. Photo by Michelle Lorcan Looney and Emma Looney O’Donoghue with Siobhan Looney.

Vincent and Gobnait Carmody with their 1976 MG Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.