Michael Hoey, his wife Geraldine, and daughters Grace and Orla, opened the gates to their farmyard and their extraordinary collection of classic and vintage tractors to the public during their recent annual charity open days. Tractor enthusiasts who flocked from all over the country to the open days were well impressed with what they saw – Ireland’s most impressive collection of classic and vintage tractors, all restored and presented in pristine condition.

While Michael Hoey is an acknowledged Ford enthusiast, his full tractor collection included important models from every brand from the 1960s onwards. Ford enthusiasts were overwhelmed with what they viewed, while Massey Ferguson, John Deere, International Harvester and Nuffield followers were equally impressed with that part of the Hoey collection.

The Hoey annual open days always provide some fresh talking points as Michael adds something special each year. This year, new additions included a Ford 2600 and 6600 and a Massey Ferguson 165, all of which seamlessly fitted in with the existing models in each section of the Hoey collection.

As the visitors departed each day, they left elated and impressed that an Irish collector, with tractor restoration very much at heart, could present a display that’s on par with anything across the world. They all took some pride in the Hoey family’s success and vision as well as huge appreciation in giving Irish tractor enthusiasts a very special opportunity once a year.

The public response was tremendous, both in terms of the numbers who visited the north Dublin farmyard, and also in terms of the generous support donated on the day for the Society of St Vincent De Paul Christmas appeal. The event raised over €13,200 for the charity appeal. The Hoey family wish to thank all of those who helped in any way with the event.

Fingal Vintage hosts Massey Ferguson Heritage Event

Fingal Vintage Society is staging a Massey Ferguson Heritage evening at the City North Hotel, located off the M1 (Exit 7) at Gormanstown, Co Meath, on Saturday 18 February. The event will be a celebration of the Massey Ferguson 100 Series tractor range that was first introduced to Irish farmers in 1964.

Tickets for the event cost €40 and are available at 086-256 3023.

The Massey Ferguson 100 Series tractors became known affectionately across the world as the Red Giants and they were truly global tractors. They were designed in Banner Lane, Coventry, England, where they were also built as well as in many factories around the world. More than a million MF 100 Series models were produced from 1964 to 1979.

The MF135 was the first of the MF100 range and was a successor to the MF35. Several hundred thousands MF135 tractors were produced, along with the sister MF165.

Both tractors are still sought after in the 21st century in the second-hand market due to demand in developing countries.

Irish Farmers Journal Vintage Diary