Wide range of events and attractions for all

THE organisers of this year’s Tagoat Vintage Rally have worked really hard to ensure it will be one of the best ever with a very wide range of events and attractions due on-site to keep young and old thoroughly entertained throughout the afternoon.

Taking place on Saturday, August 18, history will be created at the event in a number of ways this year as, for the first time ever, it is being held on a Saturday.

One of the organisers, Paul Browne, said this was being done to facilitate people wanting to see the All-Ireland Hurling final the following day.

Another noteworthy aspect to this year’s event will be the fact there will be no moving steam engines involved as they are preparing for one of Europe’s largest steam shows which is due to take place in Dorset.

However, there will be around 30 stationary steam engines on-site and some of these will date back to the early 1900 hundreds while others were manufactured in the 1940s and ‘50s.

Being organised for the 33rd time another point to note about this year’s event is that for the first time ever it will be called the Tagoat Vintage Rally rather than the usual ‘steam’ rally.

‘We decided to call it that because of the fact there will be no moving engines this year just the stationary ones,’ said Mr Browne.

However, it will have all of the usual attractions that makes it one of the most anticipated events on the local social calendar. The gates will open at 12 noon and the activities are due to start around 1 p.m.

There will be a dog show with a lot of great prizes up for grabs and the threshing will start around 2 p.m. and continue throughout the afternoon.

There will be vintage cars and tractors on view and there will be a dedicated ‘Kids Corner’ this year especially for younger people in attendance.

They will get to enjoy activities like bouncy castles, duck races and a sand pit and there will also be a full funfair carnival on-site.

‘We will also have teas, coffee and refreshments and music will be provided by Tom Murphy,’ said Mr Browne.

In addition to the threshing events there will also be a wide range of stalls at the show offering everything from trade items and tools to bric-a-brac.

Unfortunately, the committee lost one of its most respected and hard working members this year when Aidan Browne, from Tagoat, lost his life in a car accident.

‘He was my cousin and an important member of the committee,’ said Mr Browne.

Having a successful event this year will be a fitting tribute to the hard work Aidan put into the event over the last 15 years.

The cost of admission will be €5 for adults while children will get in free-ofcharge.