Big Laois town added to charity Christmas truck and tractor run

Mountmellick Macra’s exciting Christmas Light Up Truck & Tractor Run returns soon, with a big change to the route which will now take in Portarlington.

The Macra club have officially announced their third annual Light Up Truck & Tractor Run, starting on Saturday, December 16 in Mountmellick, open to all to take part.

Trucks and Tractors from around Leinster will converge on the town to raise funds for two good causes.

The local Macra Hall Roof refurbishment fund, and Eoin’s Journey, a Mountmellick charity fundraiser which supports the Giggle fund for child patients in St John's Ward in Crumlin children's hospital, and the Paediatrics Unit in Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise. 

The Committee has sincerely thanked the late Eoin Coss' family  Martina, Rian and Darragh for allowing them to raise funds in his memory and on behalf of ‘Eoin’s Journey’.  

Mountmellick Macra members launching the run and showing the back of Eoin's Journey Jerseys which say 'forever 14' for the teenager's age. Dominic Dunne, James Murphy, Chris Joyce, Amy Strong, Tiegan Dunne, Adam Fitzpatrick, Sharon Fitzpatrick, Rosemary O'Gorman, Tommy Redmond, Mick & Jack O'Gorman, Brian Buggy. Photos: Denis Byrne

Proceeds of the Run will be split evenly between both causes.

Last year’s event raised €4,500 each for St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit and the Irish Air Ambulance.

In a change from last year, the tractor and trucks will take separate routes.

Following their departure, the trucks will travel down Mountmellick town via Irishtown, travelling onwards for Emo via the Bay Road before travelling to Ballybrittas, Portarlington and back to Mountmellick.

The tractors will take a shorter route this year and will travel down Mountmellick town via Irishtown, travel out the Tullamore Road and return to the MDA car park via Mullaghnard.

The club explained that the routes have been amended for safety reasons. 

The Truck & Tractor Run was officially launched in the grounds of the MDA by Committee Chairperson, Michael O’Gorman who hopes the whole community will turn out to support the event again.

“The Light Up Truck & Tractor Run has become a much-anticipated event in the town, Last year we were blown away by the number of trucks and lorries that registered for the event.  The event enhances the town and brings Christmas cheer for everyone, both young and old. We are very grateful to the board of the MDA and to Paddy Buggy for facilitating us again this year. ”

Organisers are encouraging participants to dress in Christmas attire and decorate their vehicles in lights and all things Christmassy. Prizes for best truck and tractor will be awarded on the night. However, decoration is not essential to participate in the run.

As part of the event, the club is also holding a Monster Raffle with a top prize of €1,000 home heating oil. Tickets are €10 for 3 lines and can be purchased on line following the idonate raffle link on the Facebook page, from a committee member or purchased the day of the Run. The draw will take place in Moloney’s Gaelic Bar later that night.

‘Eoin’s Journey’ jerseys will also be available to purchase from family members on the day also.  

Assembly point for the Run is the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association.

Registration commences from 3pm with the Run departing at 6pm sharp. Fee for trucks is €30 and tractors €20. Hot drinks and musical entertainment will be provided onsite by Rock on Paddy from 3.30pm onwards.

The public are invited to line the streets and visit the MDA Car park to cheer on the event. Volunteers will be onsite and along the route with collection buckets.