Twenty farmers will embark on a cross-country tractor run this Easter weekend that aims to raise at least €50,000 for two very worthy causes.

The Dublin to Mayo Tractor Run will begin at 9am on Good Friday from the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Michael Fitzmaurice TD will cut the ribbon to get the drive under way.

The organisers set an initial target of €10,000, to be shared equally between Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin and Castlebar Special Care Unit.

However, before a tractor has been started, the group has already exceeded its target.

"We have already collected close on €37,000," said John Corley from Kilkelly.

Phenomenal support

"The support has been phenomenal and we have now re-set our target to €50,000, which is five times greater than the original one. People have rallied to the cause around the country and we are so grateful to all who have come on board and lent support in various ways."

The tractor run will journey down the old road via Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mother Hubbard's, Clonard, Kinnegad, Miltownpass, Mullingar, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown and Longford. An overnight stay is planned for Feerick's in Rathowen on Good Friday night.

The convoy will resume on Saturday morning and proceed through Lanesboro, Roscommon, Ballymoe, Castlerea, Ballinlough, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Knock, Kiltimagh, Bohola and Ballyvary before concluding the long haul in Castlebar.

"The plan is to reach Castlebar by around 4pm on Saturday afternoon. So many people are coming in behind us and some tractor drivers will join us for a few miles as we come down through the various counties," said Corley.

Support

"The Longford Vintage Club is already proving to be a great help to us. So too are Feerick's in Rathowen and the Longford Arms.

"We are very thankful to an Garda Síochana who are also giving us great help from Dublin down to Mayo and Murray Ambulances, Castlebar, who are accompanying us all along the journey," says John.

A special celebration night to mark the completion of the venture will be held in Breaffy House Hotel on Saturday night, 31 March, starting around 8pm. Entertainment will be provided by Marty Mone, Pamela Gilmartin, The Grassmen and Tommy Elliott. The draw for the top prize of a Massey 35 tractor will take place during the celebrations.

To support the charity drive, you can donate on the Go Fund Me page or by buying a raffle ticket.

Regular updates will be carried on the Dublin to Mayo Tractor Run page on Facebook.

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