While some people can get understandably frustrated when they’re caught behind a tractor, there’s a certain fascination with them nonetheless.
The recent surge in charity Tractor Runs is one example but there’s also an age-old tradition of vintage rallys where enthusiasts show off their vehicles.
Such was the case in Castletown this time ten years ago at the Castletown Vintage Rally in July 2009.
Fords, Massey Fergusons and Internationals were among the models on show while there was also a selection of vintage cars, carefully restored and looking resplendant.
As always over the years at local events, photographer Alf Harvey was present to capture a selection of great images.
Ten years on and all the faces will have aged but there’s some quality photos among this collection.
Young Ciaran Dorr is pictured with his grand-father Mick Dooley sitting on Mick’s 1959 Fordson Dexta while Enda, John and Brian Mulhall as well as Robbie Moffitt are pictured in high spirits too.
No doubt Alf’s photos will bring some memories back for those involved.
A beautiful collection of Fords owned by the Moore family from Mountrath Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Catherina, Josephine and Jennifer Dooley with Joe Dooley’s Ferguson at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Noel Fennelly, Joe Delaney, Kevin McGrath and Murt Fennelly (front) with the Fennelly’s 1978 International at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Enda Mulhall, Robbie Moffitt, John Mulhall and Brian Mulhall at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Joe Delaney and Noel Fennelly with Noel’s 1972 Ford 3000 at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Ruth Hipwell with the Delaney family at Castletown Vintage Rally.Picture: Alf Harvey.Paddy Murray, Eoin Casey and Eugene Bowe with Pat Culliton’s ’50’s Deering Mowing bar at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Jonathan Bracken, Ciaran Dorr (in the drivers seat); Mick and Janet Dooley and Conor Dorr with Mick Dooley’s 1959 Fordson Dexta at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Mick Dooley with grandson Ciaran Dorr at the wheel of Mick’s 1959 Fordson Dexta at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Some of the wonderfully restored tractors at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Martin Conroy and Jim Bannon with Martin’s Cropmaster at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Some of the many cars at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.All lined up at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Beautifully restored vehicles at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Laura Cunningham and Erin Byrne having fun at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Enjoying themselves at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Doing a deal at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Joe Smite at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Enjoying the tractors at Castletown Vintage Rally.
Martin Larkin, Shannon Harbour fine tunes his Amanco stationary engine with assistance from PJ Bourke, Moate at the Castletown (Co. Laois) Vintage Rally, Sunday 19 July 2009. Picture: Alf Harvey.Joe Campion and Jim O’Connell with Joe’s display at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Peter Killeen and Seamus O’Brien with Peter’s 1948 Petter A1 Waterpump shelter form the rain at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Ruth Hipwell, Norman Alexander, Breda Lalor and Chris McRedmond at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.Paul Dunne, Mary, Dermot, Rose, Lar and Lar Moore with the Moore’s excellent collection of Ford tractors at Castletown Vintage Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.
