Laois school to hold Tractor Run to fundraise for sports facilities

A Laois school will host a Truck and Tractor Run fundraiser to support the development of their sports facilities. 

St. Colman's NS in Stradbally will hold this fundraiser on Sunday February 2, with the run kicking off at 1:30pm.

The school will hold this fundraiser to complete necessary works on the school's all-weather pitch.

"We completed our all weather pitch in October, and we share it with groups locally," Principal Bryan Lynch explained.

"We share the grounds with Timahoe Ladies, Stradbally GAA Club, TNS Soccer club and Stradbally Town AFC," explained Mr Lynch.

Pictured: Members of St Colman's NS parents council and principal Brian Lynch at the tractor run launch.

"The pitch was supposed to be finished with floodlights and nets, but with rising costs, we couldn't afford to finish it to the standard we would like," he explained.

"We are trying to raise funds, this project isn't just for us, but for these community groups too. If we could get nets, do some work on the car park and secure the site, it would be fantastic," Mr Lynch said.

The Truck and Tractor Run is expected to see 50 trucks and 100-150 tractors in attendance.

"A huge amount of work has gone into this from the Parents Association, and we have received great help from local Gardaí," said the principal.

"We're getting great support, people have been fantastic. We have raffle tickets on sale for those who want to help out but aren't taking part in the run. You can buy the tickets on the day, or through the school office," Mr Lynch finished.

There is a €20 entrance fee for all tractors and trucks, with fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs:

First prize- €500

Second Prize- TV

Third prize- hamper

Raffle tickets are €5 each, with a book of 3 available for €10.

Registration for the Truck and Tractor Run is from 12pm onwards at Stradbally Town & Country (R32 PR90), at the Weighbridge Office.

All trucks are to enter via the main entrance to Stradbally Hall (Cosby’s Estate) and follow route signs for designated area. All tractors are to enter via Stradbally Town Country main entrance.

There will be refreshments and food available on the day, along with a junior tractor run where the 'best kitted-out pedal
tractor' will win a fantastic prize.

This fundraiser has been organised by St Colman’s Parents Council, with all proceeds going to St Colman’s NS for the ongoing development of sports facilities at the school.