Clonoulty Rossmore Vintage Rally 2012
On the 19th August Clonoulty Rossmore Vintage Club held their Annual Vintage Rally in Clonoulty Rossmore GAA field by kind permission. The venue was changed from Joe Hammersley’s field due to the inclement weather.
We were unlucky that the All Ireland Semi Final clashed with our date, but with the match shown on site the numbers were not impacted too badly, and we all sadly got to see Tipperary losing. There was no alcohol to dampen the disappointment but there was copious amount of tea and sandwiches provided by members of the extended O’Dwyer clan of Rossmore Patricia, Joan, Margaret and Sandra. On the positive side we were so lucky with the good weather.
The Tipp FM outside broadcast unit with Fran Curry and Eamon Ryan on site added a bit of excitement and entertainment.
There was an increase in the number of cars exhibited on other years, the oldest cars there were a 1918 Ford Model T owned by P.J. Daly, Killea, and a 1920 Humber owned by Michael Ryan, Slatefield. The threshing was a great favourite with the crowd; John Leamy’s, Dualla Allan Bros 1925 Threshing Mill was at full throttle powered by TJ Donnelly’s, Clonoulty David Brown 950 Implematic. The straw was baled by Paul McCarthy’s, Ballagh New Holland Baler. It was such a change to be baling with the sun shining on one of the rare occasions this year. The Dualla contingent proved they are not afraid of work and put it up to the rest of the workers as they have done every year. We missed John Leamy who is one of the leading experts at threshing in the county; we would like to wish John a speedy recovery.
Due to the good weather the Bike Run was enjoyed by all who participated and we would like to thank them for their kind donations they are a generous group every year. The motor bikes are always very popular with the young on the day and there was a great display Hondas, BSAs, Yamahas and Harley Davisons just to mention a few makes.
Alex Crosse of Donaskeagh had his 1908 Fowel Steam Traction Engine on display which towered over Phil Byrne’s, Kilcash Burrell 3 Gauge Miniature Steam Engine 1997 ,both puffing away happily for the day.
Army enthusiasts were catered for with Sean Ryan’s, Milltown, Land Rover 101 1976 forward control petrol ex-British Army gun tractor and Tom Burnell’s, Holycross Land Rover 109FFR 1977 ex-British army radio truck.
Joe Channon of Clonmel gave a display of hot shoeing , displaying how a horse shoe was made and then put the shoes on the sturdy steed Tom owned by Trish Mulhall, Clogher .
There was fun for all ages with the Bouncy Castle proving as popular as ever with the young, guess the weight of biscuit cake made by Teresa Kelly, The Hough was a great point of discussion with all ages trying to hazard a guess. A focal point on the day was the number of trade stands, whom we would like to thank for their support. A very attractive added feature on the day was the model airplanes and helicopters displayed by the Tipperary Model Flying Club.
We would like to thank all those who donated items to the Bric a Brack, where the handbags and jeweller were a great addition. Our programme has become over the years a collectors item due to the interesting articles provided by all our local historians. Copies of this year’s programme are still available in Bookworm, Thurles and the shops in Clonoulty and Rossmore. Liam O’Dwyer, Chairman can be contacted at 087-6230816 if anyone requires a copy at €5.00 each.
We are making the presentation to South Tipperary Hospice Movement on Saturday the 15th September in The Local, Clonoulty. There will be an auction on the night with some very exciting items up for grabs.
We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and help without which we wouldn’t be in the position to help the very deserving South Tipperary Hospice Movement.
