More than 70 bidders attended the first ever auction of model farming and other toys at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise last weekend. The event was organised by Kevin Finlay of Kev’s Models and it was based on the success that he has had with similar auctions in Armagh over the past year. Kevin is planning another model auction later in the year, based on last week’s results.

As well as a big crowd, there was an impressive range of models on offer and prices were very competitive. Many of the models were boxed with their original prices and the auction prices rarely reached these. That meant good value for the many collectors on the day.

The auction was a lively event as auctioneer moved through the 470 lots on display. Sample prices at the top end included €55 for a Universal Hobbies 1:16 scale County tractor, while a Claas Matador Gigant model in similar scale made €48. An older Britain’s MF combine harvester and cultivator collection was sold for €40.

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Many of the boxed tractor models were sold for €20 and less, which was great value for the buyers. The top price was €110 for a First Gear Mack B model low loader truck in 1:25 scale. The prices helped others to value their collections. All prices exclude a buyer’s commission of 15%.

For those who wanted to unclutter their collections the auction provided a good way to reduce stocks. For those building a collection, it was a value for money way of getting a special collection in place and many young collectors were there to take advantage of the offers and compete with some seasoned dealers in what was a new experience for them. And yes, I was tempted!

Meath vintage road run

The Meath Vintage Group is planning to replicate the vintage tractor road run of 2010, when they started and finished at the Teagasc Research Centre in Grange, Co Meath. The run takes place on Sunday week, 11 May.

Anne Berrill (087-2204170), secretary of the group, said that they are looking forward to meeting old friends and making some new ones on this enjoyable run. The run will travel on some of the more scenic byways and lanes of mid to south Meath.

Hospice donation

Eamonn Kelly of Rock Inn Vintage Club has reminded members that the Rock Inn Vintage Road Run and Rally takes place this weekend at the Rock Inn, outside of Portlaoise, Co Laois. The tractor run takes place on Saturday 3 May, starting at 3pm, while the rally takes place the following day from 11am.

The club collects for Laois Hospice each year and last year’s events raised €9,640 for the local charity.

Gearing up for Innishannon

The team in Innishannon, Co Cork, are gearing up for the 17th Innishannon Steam and Vintage Rally on the June Bank Holiday Weekend, 1-2 June. The rally is the biggest steam and vintage rally in Ireland and PRO Paul Kelliher said it attracts over 22,000 visitors each year. All proceeds of the rally go the Irish Cancer Society. To-date, the group has raised over €1.164m for the charity.

Tractor record attempt

The challenge to set a new Guinness World Record for the most tractors parading in the one place failed to reach its target at Thurles Racecourse last weekend. Michael Fahey of the organising group of vintage enthusiasts said that 1,128 tractors took part and he confirmed that the challenge will continue, possibly next year.

Irish Farmers Journal vintage diary

Date Event Location Contact

3 May Rock Inn Vintage Run, Portlaoise Laois 085-7204034

3 May Bann Valley Vintage Gathering Antrim 0044-07710126946

3 May Ballygowan Vintage Club road run Down 028/048-97510606

3 May Ballyeaston Vintage Club road run Antrim 028/048-94432951

3 May Orchard County Vintage Rally Armagh 028/048-38871006

3 May Newmills Vintage Rally Tyrone 028/048-87747808

4/5 May Shane’s Castle steam rally Antrim 028/048-94464648

4 May Rock Inn Vintage Rally Portlaoise 085-7204034

4 May Knockdown Vintage Road Run Limerick 087-2452695

4 May South Roscommon Vintage Road Run Athlone 087-7565147

10 May North West Fermanagh vintage run Fermanagh 0044-07708315069