Canon Denis MacCarthy, Rector of Bandon Union of Parishes, writes:

After an absence last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic the annual Tractor Run was held again this year on Sunday 23rd of January. The first parish Tractor Run took place in 2016, and on that day 90 Tractors took part. Over the years the event has grown to include vintage/classic cars, trucks and jeeps. This year a little over 350 vehicles took part in the run, 209 tractors, 70 trucks, 70 cars and 12 jeeps. 

The run started at the Mart in Bandon, and it was led off by a Vintage Fire Brigade, making its way to Ballinadee, Ballinspittle, and Garretstown, turning right up the hill and back on to the Kilbrittain Road, through the village of Kilbrittain and back to the Mart for refreshments and the all-important raffle! 

The Tractor Run has become an important cross community event and social occasion, and great friendships and connections have been made over the years. The event gives us a significant foot print in the life of the town, as it is now seen as an important part of the yearly social and charity calendars. 

The fact that the Covid-19 regulations were relaxed on the Friday before the event, resulted in a much bigger attendance than expected, enabling us to raise our biggest sum yet of €13,500. The funds raised are in aid of BASC (Bandon Area Special Children), Cork Down Syndrome Centre and St. Peter’s Development Fund.

I would like to thank the Dream Team, or should I say the Deane Team, Jean and Tom, Sinead and Ger Seaman, and Laura Kingston for all the work and organisation they put in to the successful running of the event. I would also like to thank all those who acted as stewards on the day, volunteers who helped with the registration for the raffle and many others. Special thanks to those who donated to the raffle and to our sponsors. We would also like to thank Bandon Mart and the Old Still for the use of their facilities. 

Come along and join us next year for a great day out!