Limerick charity drive raises over €14,000 for good causes
THE PURPOSE of Sarsfield’s Ride in 1690 was to intercept a military siege train but the 2023 version in Limerick was to raise money for charities and both missions were very successful.
The Leyland Tractor Run followed the route from Limerick city to Ballyneety near Pallasgreen where the train was attacked during the Jacobite War.
On the 150km route the drivers of Leylands, Marshalls and Nuffields started at Ahern’s bar in Newport before heading to King John’s Castle. They passed through Oatfield, Trough, Harold's Cross, Bridgetown, Garenboy Church, Killaloe, Ballina, Boher, Kiloscully, Toor, Rearcross, Doon, Monard, Cullen, Old Pallas, Pallasgreen, Cappamore, Murroe and back to Ahern’s.
It was all done in one day at the end of February.
Colette Acheson, from Ballyneety, along with her husband Ian, and Kieran Lillis, Meanus, were three of the organisers of the charity event, along with all the drivers.
Ms Acheson said they raised €14,400 which was divided between the Limerick branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Cliona’s Foundation. Their members know of families who have benefited from the wonderful work of both charities.
The cheques were handed over at a presentation night in Annacotty's Black Swan.
“The charities were over the moon and are very well deserving. All the members of the Leyland Tractor Run have done a great job and our event was a total success,” said Ms Acheson.
She said they had so much fun along the historic route despite one or two minor hiccups but “the teamwork was incredible”.
Ms Acheson said raising €14,400 would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of their members and everyone who donated. She wished to thank Ahern’s bar, Cummins Daybreak, Newport, Kennedy's Bar, Rearcross, Ursala Ryan,
Newport,Hayes Bar and Restaurant, Cappamore, Louise Ryan Photography Darragh Lynch, Kieran Lynch, Josephine Peters for wonderful photos, Acheson Farm Machinery for the recovery truck, Leah and Lucy Acheson for the bucket collection and the Black Swan.