DHU Another vintage performance by Ballylanders club

This Avondhu correspondent spent much of last Sunday morning in the presence of drivers who took part in the Noah Quish Road Run - an event, organised and hosted by the Ballylanders based, Morning Star Vintage Club. There are a good many vintage clubs in the region, but few are as active as 'The Morning Star'. Regardless of the weather, these chaps (mainly men) mount their mechanical steeds to raise money for a variety of good causes.

In this case, the purpose of the exercise was to raise funds for little Noah Quish, who is a cheerful young boy, who needs considerable medical care. It's a great source of comfort to Noah's family, that relatives, neighbours and friends are so anxious to help with what has been an extensive fundraising campaign.

Little Blue Hero, Noah, was in attendance on the day, checking all the vehicles before they started out on their journey and he escorted them on their way in his own Garda car. On Monday, Noah underwent spinal surgery at Crumlin Children's Hospital and is now recovering, however, ahead of the surgery was 'making siren sounds telling everyone about the fab day he had' at the Noah Quish Road Run in Ballylanders.

TRACTORS, TRUCKS, CARS & BIKES

This covers 99.9% of the vehicles that turned up in the grounds of Ballylanders GAA last Sunday. Big trucks, huge tractors, alongside hard working models from the '50s, '60s and '70s, in addition to some hardy bikers, lined up to take part in the run.

A man who was perfectly at home among the machinery is well known politician and agricultural contractor, Cllr. Frank Roche.

"Listen, I spent a pile of time in Limerick over the years and while it's all about powerful tractors in the contracting business, it's great to see so many well maintained vintage models. This is a very well organised event and I'm delighted to be here today to support it," Frank told The Avondhu, before stepping in for a photo.

At this stage, most people familiar with Frank, will know his name is on the ballot paper for the June local elections.

WELL DONE

Paul Walsh, of the Morning Star Vintage Club, speaking following the run, said that there was a 'great turnout' on the day, with over 70 tractors, 20 cars, 40 lorries and a large number of bikes registered.

"It was a great financial success with people coming from both local and surrounding areas. The local ladies looked after the drivers and supporters with lovely sandwiches and an abundance of homemade buns and cakes. We thank them most sincerely for their great generosity," Paul said.

Fair play to the 'Morning Star Boys' - they have big hearts and are generous to a fault. A top up of diesel, a cup of tea and a ham sandwich if it's going and they are ready for the off. When the final figure is in, they will present proceeds from last Sunday to the Quish family.

(Pic: John Ahern) FRIENDS MEET IN BALLYLANDERS: Agricultural contractor and former power tools salesman, Cllr. Frank Roche from Castletownroche, who met Tom Twomey, Liam O’Donnell and Anne O’Donnell (all from Mitchelstown), at last Sunday’s vintage run in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) FATHER & SON TEAM: Father and son team, Paddy and Daire O’Mahony, inspecting the trucks and tractors at last Sunday’s fundraiser in Ballylanders.

(Pic: John Ahern) VINTAGE MEN TO THE CORE: John Mullins, from Galbally, right, chatting with members of Anglesboro Vintage Club, Tom Burke and Dan Gallahue, at last Sunday’s run in Ballylanders.

Danny Kelly and Leanne Riordan, of Glenroe, with Liam and Ann O’Donnell of Mitchelstown and Billy Kelly, at the Noah Quish fundraising tractor run.

(Pic: John Ahern) LOCAL SUPPORT: L-r: Tara Ahern, Edel O’Brien and Mary O’Brien (Ballylanders Post Office), who were in Ballylanders GAA complex last Sunday morning to support the Noah Quish fundraising tractor & truck run.

John Colbert and Willie Kearney, of Glenahulla, with Thomas O’Sullivan, of Glenroe, at the fundraiser last weekend.

(Pic: John Ahern) GIRL POWER & HORSE POWER: Qualified driver, Mairead Halpin and her friend, Laura Ryan, from Galbally, who took part in last Sunday’s tractor & truck run.