Following the recent success of a tractor auction to raise money and show solidarity with the victims of flooding, more events are to be held nationally next weekend.

Tractor Action Tipperary, along with the Irish Red Cross, is organising more events after the success of the auctioning of a vintage tractor which raised €2,300 for the victims of flooding. The group is now planning to take this fundraising nationwide by organising a series of rallies over the weekend of 16 and 17 January.

”We don’t need to know them, but they are our people”

Thurles man Michael Fahey runs a forestry services business and said he has a deep understanding of the difficulties being faced, adding that he didn’t need to know the victims, as “they are our people”.

“It’s not just the damage to the house and loss of belongings, but the mental pressure as well. As parents have to explain why bedrooms are ruined and toys thrown out, they will need whatever comfort we can bring them.”

As a result of a meeting on Monday night, similar events will be held around the country.

Tractor enthusiasts

Fahey added that: “We may be a group of tractor enthusiasts but it doesn’t matter how the money is raised. We are here to collect for the victims and pass it on just as soon as we can.”

Darren Ryan, a board member of the Irish Red Cross, said: “School non-uniform days, quiz nights, dances, and cake stalls were all suggested” to help in wake of month-long storms which have wrecked homes across the country.

The funds raised will be used by the Irish Red Cross to help with clean-up costs such as provision of fuel, disinfectant, pumps and dehumidifiers.

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