Knock Vintage Men’s Shed will bring the country’s rich agricultural heritage to life when it hosts its annual threshing festival in Spink this weekend.
“The corn was cut in a vintage operation with a couple of 100 year-old binders, tractors burning diesel and a 70-year-old TVO and a few hardy annuals to make it happen,” said Brian Brennan, who chairs the organising committee.
The programme of events will start with the Ger Bowe memorial tractor run for the men’s shed this Saturday, September 7.
Vintage steam engines will see off the convoy and welcome back the participants.
That evening, the community will gather for a charity cock and bull auction at Headen’s Bar, uniting locals in support of a good cause and setting the tone for a weekend of festivities.
On Sunday, September 8, the threshing and field day will be the focus.
The day will begin with a parade, led by the steam engines, to a field brimming with activities that honour farming traditions while providing fun for all ages.
Alongside the traditional threshing demonstration, there will be vintage displays, displaying classic tractors and machinery.
“The ICA always has an interesting and colourful stand with home bakes. Inside there’s oodles of tae, buns and lovely tarts to enjoy,” said Brian.
“Willie Joe Meally will bake a bit of bread to have with butter and jam maybe. That and a chat will be just the trick.”
Visitors can try their luck at the wheel of fortune. Timahoe men’s choir – fresh from Electric Picnic – will be special guests.
Music and dancing will take place that evening. There will also be a charity raffle which will raise funds for Knock National School this year, adding an additional layer of community spirit to the colourful event.
The club was established in 2012 to fundraise for the school. “We joined a men’s shed group approximately five years ago.
“We have raised funds for various charities and local groups. We have since taken a lease on the derelict Knock chapel house and were given €70,000 from Laois Leader to renovate it,” Brian said.
“Since then, we received €120,000 from the town and village renewal scheme to build a shed for the repair and maintenance of vintage machinery.
“Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) awarded us a grant for computers to assist with training in the chapel house which is acting as a hub for the community,” he said.
LOETB funded defibrillator and manual handling training with welding and computer courses to start in the winter.
“This gathering will not only be a joyful event but also a powerful testament to the strength, unity and pride in our community, as we come together to preserve and celebrate our national heritage,” said Brian.
