Laois vintage club's memorial gift to autism support
A big donation has been made to a Laois Offaly autism support group, in memory of a man who loved both his tractors and his family.
Dad of three Alan McCartney from Coolrain died in a tragic work accident in January 2022.
He was a devoted owner of a vintage tractor, regularly taking part in vintage runs.
In his memory, Coolrain Vintage organised a run on the day of his first anniversary, January 22.
All proceeds were donated to Laois Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA) at the request of the McCartney family.
The bittersweet fundraising day got a great response, with the club raising €3,500 for the charity.
On Friday May 12, LOFFA representatives were invited to a lovely evening in Hogan's Bar, Coolrain to formally receive the donation from Coolrain Vintage Club.
Present were Breda Murray Chairperson of LOFFA and Sandra Mullally assistant secretary.
"Alan loved to take part in the vintage runs driving his tractor and had many close friends involved. He was uncle and godfather to his beautiful nephew Noel who is a member of LOFFA," Breda told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"It was not an easy outing for the family and fair play to them they were amazing and were only delighted to present a cheque for €3,500 to LOFFA to help all families in both Laois & Offaly" she said.
Breda thanked Jim Bennett, the Vintage crew and most of all, the McCartney family. She also outlined the work that LOFFA do and how their donation would be spent.
A lovely evening was had by all in memory of Alan.
Lar Hogan, proprietor of Hogans Bar and a member of Coolrain Vintage provided a lovely spread of hot and cold food.
The club offer a sincere thank you to Alan's mum Carmel and all the McCartney family, and their deepest sympathy on the loss of Alan.
LOFFA is a charity without state funding, run by volunteer parents and funded by donations. It gives support and subsidies for therapies to families of people with Autism in Laois and Offaly.