Now in its fifth year, the Kilbrittain Autism Tractor Run will take place this New Year’s Eve starting in Kilbrittain, west Cork.

At the recent launch, a number of local tractor suppliers showed their support, bringing new tractors along to give a taste of the expected range of new and not so new but equally admired tractors. The event, which began in 2013 with 250 tractors in attendance, swelled to 350 tractors last year.

Such is the size of the event, each tractor brand will be divided into separate categories.

The tractor run is a very popular day out during the Christmas break which receives great support from neighbouring parishes, locals and volunteers. AIB and C103FM are some of the sponsors. Others include Cork Farm Machinery, Atkins Farm Machinery, Jim Power agri sales, Mc & S agri sales, Farmpower Ltd, Paudy Buckley tractors and Lynch & McCarthy.

The tractor run will take along the Wild Atlantic Way, with a total of 32km covered from its start in Kilbrittain through Timoleague, Courtmacsherry and Barryroe.

Special guest will be Donkey from Grassmen. The event is being held to raise funds for the autism unit in Kilbrittain national school which is a mainstream school with two special classes for children with autism. The first autism class was opened in 2012, with the second opened in 2013.

The money raised will be put into continuing the extension which has already commenced. The aim is to have all school accommodation integrated together to provide the best possible services for children in their care.