Tractorcade to honour former IFA Chairperson, Pat Gilhooley

The 2023 Manorhamilton IFA Tractorcade, which takes place on, Sunday, January 1 will honour former County IFA Chairperson, Pat Gilhooley, Foxwood, Aughnasheelin.

Manorhamilton IFA spokesperson, Liam Gallagher says “When the first Tractorcade took place on New Year’s Day 2012 Pat attended in his capacity as head of the IFA in the county and he attended every one of the subsequent Tractorcades until 2020. Sadly Pat took ill later that year and died on Sunday 8 November 2020. His death was a huge loss to the farming community in Leitrim and beyond given the total commitment he had always shown over the years in his representations on their behalf.

“This year’s event is in aid of North West Hospice, which provides palliative care services for people with life-limiting illnesses at home, in a nursing home, hospital or in the hospice that is located next to Sligo University Hospital. To achieve their vision of providing the highest quality, person-centred palliative care services for all in the North West of Ireland they aim to raise €1 million annually. Among the services provided by North West Hospice are a Community Palliative Care Team which visits patients in their own homes, community hospitals or nursing homes. This team of clinical nurse specialists, social workers and doctors work very closely with the patient’s public health nurse and GP.

“They offer emotional and spiritual support as well as bereavement support with counselling if appropriate. They can provide practical and social support with information on welfare benefits and community services. The North West Hospice Inpatient Unit has eight beds (three single rooms and a five-bed area) where people are cared for by a multidisciplinary team. The Inpatient Unit also offers an extensive range of volunteer services in areas including symptom control, respite and end-of-life care.

“The Hospital Palliative Care Team provides support to Sligo University Hospital’s medical and nursing teams and palliative care to patients and their families. They aim to provide a seamless link in the flow of care between the hospital, the hospice In-Patient Unit and Community Palliative Care, assisting patients and their families to make the most appropriate decisions according to their individual care needs. The Tractorcade will follow the same format as previous years with assembly in the car-park at Manorhamilton Livestock Sales from 1pm on New Year’s Day, leaving at 2pm and following the usual route via Boley Hill and out the Carrick Road before returning via Main Street, Castle Street, Park Road to the Mart premises.

“Manorhamilton IFA is deeply grateful to Manorhamilton Livestock Sales for the use of their premises. The organisers would like to remind participants that safety is paramount and you are asked to remove rear-mounted or front-mounted implements such as bale spikes. The local farming community and the wider public throughout North Leitrim and beyond have been very supportive of this event over the years. The organizers hope for the same support again this year.

“Search for Manorhamilton IFA on Facebook for updates and you can donate online if you wish – go to www.idonate.ie – and search for Manorhamilton IFA” Liam Gallagher suggests in conclusion.