A group of tractor enthusiasts from the Swinford region of Co Mayo has organised a tractor run in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and Casltebar Special Care Unit.

The tractor run will take place over two days and will start in Phoenix Park, Co Dublin, on Good Friday, 30 March.

“All the tractors are being brought up by transport to Dublin, which has been generously sponsored by a group of local companies,” said Tom Lavelle, a member of the organising team.

“I just felt it was a good idea and a good cause to help sick children.

“We have one company that has given €10,000 so far and we have 18 tractors in the run, so we’d be hoping they can raise €1,500 each.

“We’ll be travelling through a lot of towns and people have been very good about it. The food is being sponsored and Longford Vintage Tractor Club is serving tea and sandwiches.

“Any tractor that wants to join in for part of the route can do so, it just costs €50,” Lavelle concluded.

On Good Friday, the group will set out at 9am from Phoenix Park, through Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mother Hubbard’s, Clonard, Kinnegad, Miltownpass, Mullingar, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown and Longford.

The group will stay overnight in Rathowen on Good Friday and resume the run in Longford on Saturday, 31 March.

They’ll then travel through Lanesboro, Roscommon, Ballymoe, Castlerea, Ballinlough, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Knock, Kiltimagh and Bohola.

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