All things vintage set for Mid Kerry’s popular annual rally

SUNDAY, July 8, is the date when Mid Kerry Vintage Rally will enthral the masses who flock to Brackhill, Castlemaine, for what is a great day out for vintage machinery enthusiasts and families alike.

Now in its seventh year, the event has managed to raise over €100,000 for cancer support services in Kerry, an incredible achievement considering it all stems from Denis Tangney’s hobby – vintage machinery.

“I never thought that we could raise as much as we have but the people have been tremendous in their support,” said Denis, who along with Mike McKenna and Brendan Dennehy has spent the past few months organising the rally.

The day kick-starts at 12:30pm when the Killorglin Pipe Band play to the crowd. Once inside, visitors can expect to see steam engines, threshing machines, lines of old tractors, cars and trucks, vintage farm machinery, a butter making machine, old style hand tools – you name it, if its vintage, it will be there.

Patrons will also be in with a chance to win some nice prizes.

There’s a weekend away in The Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown; €300 worth of home heating oil; €250 worth of golfing accessories, and plenty more prizes on the day, including a gate prize

“To think we used to joke years ago that one day we would break the €100,000 mark. It’s no longer a joke, but a reality – and that’s what drives us on,” Denis said.

The money raised on the day will be divided between the Oncology Unit in University Hospital Kerry, Recovery Heaven, and the cancer ward at St Joseph’s in Killorglin – all of whom are grateful to Denis and the Mid Kerry Vintage Rally team for their generosity.

“Without the help of charities such as ours, many of these vital organisations couldn’t continue. We hope as many people as possible will come out and support us on July 8 for what is a great cause,” Denis added.

Photo Michelle Cooper Galvin Denis Tangney with John and Stephen Bell and his David Brown Selectamatic 880 tractor.