PICTURES: Laois revs up for charity with Clonaslee Road Run

Tractors, trucks, bikes and vintage motors were out in force for the Clonaslee road run on Sunday, May 4 which was a huge success. The event was held in aid of the Mellon Educate charity and local charities. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

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"There was significant support from Clonaslee and surrounding Laois and Offaly areas. Entertainment and refreshments were enjoyed and with a packed auction led by 'Rock on Paddy' Keating capped off the day," said the organisers. 

Three Clonaslee people are preparing to put in eight days of hard work to help build a school in a poverty stricken South African shanty township; Ray Delaney, Pat Carroll and John Joe Heaney.

The men are heading back to South Africa again with the Mellon Educate Building Blitz, to build a school for children in the poverty stricken black townships. They have gone multiple times in the past. Read about their trip in 2023.

"It's an eye opener. It's my third trip. I get a real buzz out of it. You see people with absolutely nothing, yet the kids are always in good form. They have hardly enough to eat, they get breakfast and lunch in the schools. Education is the way forward for them, no doubt in the world. Seeing what we built when we return, I can see that the kids definitely benefit," Pat Carroll said.

Each volunteer has to raise €4,250 each which is used for flights, accommodation and building materials. 

They are also taking donations of scrap metal and clothes.