The Long Way Home Vintage Run is about to hit the road to Donegal very soon.
Oil levels checked, tyres pumped, bearings are greased and the countdown is on.
The run will see more than 20 tractor enthusiasts driving from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal over four days. Every mile of the way they’ll be aiming to raise much-needed funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital and The Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund.
Eight tractors from West Cork and 15 from the Meath Kilmainhamwood Vintage Club will be setting off on 2nd June with the hope of reaching Donegal Town by the end of day three. The fourth and final day will see them visit Letterkenny, Buncrana and onwards towards their objective at Malin Head. The planned route and schedule should see them arrive at Malin Head at about 4pm on Sunday 05/06/2022.
The drivers will undertake the near 700km route on their restored vintage tractors which span an era of agriculture from the 1950’s to the late 1980’s. The vehicles have all been restored to concourse condition and are all a credit to their owners.
Two of the eight tractors from West Cork have an extra job, they have to polish the glass on their cabs, the other 6 individuals are open to the elements.
Amongst those participating are three members of the well-known Ryan family from Ballinsacarthy. Paddy will use is a David Brown 950 built in 1959. Michael will use his 1964 David Brown 990, while Denis will use a 1977 David Brown 996, a tractor that has a special significance to the Ryan family members, it is the actual tractor that their father bought in 1977 from Atkins in Cork who were the dealers for that marque at the time, now after a complete restoration he will proudly steer it along the route.
To follow their journey or to donate to the causes, please visit the Facebook page: “Long Way Home Vintage Run.”
