Tractors and trucks making their way through the Little Town of Stradbally is a regular sight – but they’ll be doing so in much larger numbers on Sunday, February 2.
A Tractor and Truck Run will take place in aid of the local school, St Colman’s NS, organised by the Parents Council as they seek to raise the funds to put the finishing touches on its wonderful new astroturf facility.
The pitch has been developed as part of the Sports Capital Project delivered through Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The pitch has been in use by students since the autumn and has also become an additional home for the local underage soccer club T&S Utd.
But floodlighting, ball stop nets and car parking are just some of the items on the to-do list and it’s with that in mind that the Tractor and Truck run has come about.
Hundreds of tractors and trucks are expected to participate and will leave Stradbally Town and Country and make their way up the town and out the Abbeyleix Road, before turning at Munny Cross, going through Timahoe and then returning to Stradbally.
A kid’s tractor run and raffle are all set to be part of the occasion too. Refreshments will be served in St Joseph’s Hall.
An official launch of the event took place today at St Colman’s.
Though the school was closed due to the severe weather we are currently experiencing, principal Brian Lynch was joined by James Moloney, Grainne Buggie, Gary Oxley and Ellen O’Keeffe from the Parents Council as well as Michael Knowles from the Board of Management. Students MJ and Kasey Carroll were also on hand.
In the interest of tractor democracy, both a Massey Ferguson and Case were there too for the photo shoot.
“The development of facilities at St Colman’s National School that will enhance the quality of the young kid’s education and student life is our primary motivation,” said James Moloney, chairman of the Parents Council.
“We would just like to express their sincere thanks to the businesses and to everybody that has supported past events.
“The generosity of the people is outstanding in contributing to the funding of development here at the school.
“I suppose this is Tractor Run 2.0! with the last run held five years ago to kickstart the new astroturf pitch project. The good news is that this facility is now up and running in everyday use and more importantly enjoyed by all at the school.
“The hope is that everyone will enjoy another Tractor Run in Stradbally and the route around the parish, supporting a very good cause that will help our very young kids on their early stages on life’s journey through the school years.
“So, get the tractors polished and the beacons on for the Tractor Run 2.0!”
“St Colman’s NS was thrilled with the addition of a state-of-the-art astroturf pitch which was completed in October 2024,” added principal Brian Lynch.
“This fantastic facility is benefiting the 330 pupils in the school, providing them with a safe, year-round space to engage in physical education, sports, and outdoor activities.
“The new pitch will enhance the delivery of the PE curriculum, allowing children to develop their skills in a wide range of activities regardless of the weather.
“It will also be a venue for Cumann na mBunscol matches, fostering a love of Gaelic games, further developing their skills and providing pupils with the opportunity to represent their school with pride.
“Beyond school use, the pitch will be a valuable resource for other schools and clubs in the wider community, promoting inclusivity and collaboration.
“To bring this project to fruition, the school is hosting an exciting Tractor Run fundraiser on February 2. This promises to be a great day out for all, with tractors of every shape and size expected to participate.
“Funds raised will go directly toward completing and enhancing the astroturf facility.”
The meeting point for the event is Stradbally Town and Country and it gets underway at 1.30pm.
SEE ALSO – Laois students battle through the snow and ice to take part in Young Scientist Exhibition
