Laois Macra club to gift Down Syndrome group with Christmas truck and tractor run proceeds

Mountmellick Macra’s Light Up Truck and Tractor Run is back and bigger than ever this December.

The festive parade starts on Saturday, December 14 at 6pm in Mountmellick and it is all for a wonderful cause, the Down Syndrome Ireland Laois branch, who support members across Laois to access therapies, activities, education and employment.

Trucks and tractors will converge at the MDA centre in Irishtown and enjoy some fun before setting off on their two routes, festooned in lights and decorations with crowds on the streets cheering on.

Last year’s event in aid of Eoins’s Journey and the Macra Hall Roof redevelopment fund raised €11,745.64, split evenly between the two causes.

The run was officially launched in Moloney’s Gaelic Bar recently where Committee Chairperson, Michael O’Gorman hoped the whole community will turn out once again in support.

“The Light Up Truck and Tractor Run has become a much-anticipated and loved event in the town.

“Last year we were delighted with the turnout, not just by the number of trucks and tractors but the entire community that came out to support it.

“This is our fourth year and the event enhances the town and brings Christmas cheer for everyone, young and old. Once again we are very grateful to the board of the MDA and to Paddy Buggy for facilitating us again ,” he said.

Pictured are Mountmellick Macra Committee and Organising Committee who had their Launch for their Christmas Light Up Tractor and Truck Run 2024 at the M.D.A Photo Denis Byrne

Katie Flanagan spoke on behalf of the Down Syndrome Laois branch. As a committee member, she helps to organise many events for members.

She said that the group gets no Government or HSE funding and they rely on two big annual fundraisers to keep providing services. Those services include weekly speech and language therapies, monthly occupational support, give educational supports, art classes and social activities.

“Next year we will need more than €100,000 to keep our club going.

“I want to say thank you to everybody in Mountmellick Macra for inviting us here and for running this event for our group. We are very thankful and we will make sure all money raised will be spent to the gain of the lives of all our members,” Katie said.

Drivers are encouraged to dress in their Christmas best and decorate their vehicles in lights, but it is not obligatory. Prizes for the best truck and tractor will be awarded.

A Monster Raffle has two top prizes of €500 cash and other prizes. Tickets are €10 for 3 lines, buy them online via the Mountmellick Macra Light Up Truck And Tractor Run Facebook page, and on the day of the Run. The draw is in Moloneys Bar that night.

Assemble at the MDA with registration from 3pm. The Run departs at 6pm sharp. Truck fee is €30 and tractors €20. Hot drinks and live music by Rock on Paddy and the public is welcome to come there and view them before they head off. Donations to bucket collectors welcome.