Portarlington Lions tractor run to aid local schoolkids' medical assessments

Portarlington is gearing up for a special annual tractor run that will make "a humungous difference" to some local children in need of particular support.

The Laois Offaly town is home to a brilliant charity tractor run every spring, organised by Portarlington Lions Club.

On Sunday March 1, it will take off again, from the Railway Bar near the train station, with a big incentive to take part this year.

The charity run is in aid of psychological and educational assessments for kids in local schools whose families are unable to afford them.

Six schools will be in the hat to win €2,500 to pay for assessments for the children that they know best need the support.

That sum has already been guaranteed by Port Lions Club, so anything extra that is raised on the day will go towards a second school.

The schools are St Patrick's Boys NS, Presentation Primary School Portarlington, Naomh Eoin in Killenard, Sandy Lane NS, Rath NS and Cloneyhurke NS.

Club Secretary Fiona Somers told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.

"Before Christmas we were visiting local schools to see if they could identify any families in need of hampers. Teachers were telling us that schools depend on the number of pupils to qualify for assessments, so rural schools may not hit the numbers. 

"The school drawn can break up the €2,500, for example€600 for an assessment for occupational therapy, dyslexia or dyspraxia. Some children can time out in primary school waiting, and lose out on help in secondary school.

"We are hoping for a big attendance. The more people there, the more chance we can draw two schools. They don't have to drive a tractor, I really don't care, once they pay the €20 it can be a car or motorbike. They will be supporting local children," she said.

Spectators can dig deep too, as the club will hold a big raffle and an an auction that evening in the Railway Bar, with raffle tickets on sale at the event. 

The tractors and vehicles are invited to gather from 1.30am on Sunday morning, March 1, for a departure of 12 noon.

This year Portarlington Lions are adding a new treat, a children's toy tractor run, in the Irish Rail train station carpark, with prizes for every child that takes part. It will be held before the grownup tractors head out. 

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Refreshments will be complimentary afterwards in the Railway Bar, which has kindly hosted the event for some years.

Donations are also being taken for raffle and auction items, contact Gerry 086 3584611 or Club President Therese Doody on 086 847 1994.