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Narraghmore Vintage Tractor Santa Run took place Sunday 28th December. It was a great event for all participants, with in the region of about 160 vehicles of which 100 were vintage tractors. Great laughter rang out in the square when Santa, ‘Flip’ Hickey, arrived in a, sleigh pulled by Ray Doyle in his Ford tractor. Joe Nolan and Crew in their Fire Engine and Fire Jeep became the centre of the display of vehicles. Smoke filled the sky when O’Gormans steam powered truck pulled in , followed by the Keatleys two white horses and the riders who also lead the tractors up the main street of Athy later in the day. Garda Traffic core arrived on mass and provided invaluable support as the numbers of vehicles swelled Narraghmore. The drone of Harley Motor Bikes, from the V Twins club, the 100 Tractors, and numerous vintage cars and trucks rang out in what as a cold but crystal clear morning. All entrants donned Santa suits and Hats and there was a sea of red and white, tinsel and glitter. The bright weather allowed people to gather, and with teas and coffees going free, everyone was very warm spirited, so much so the donations by the public were as charitable as one could ever expect. We departed Narraghmore at 11.40 on 2 runs, one for the tractors and slower vehicles and one for the vintage and classic cars. The tractors followed a route through Old Grange, Ballindrum, Burtown Cross, Russellstown Cross , Geraldine Cross, Sawyers Wood, Miltown Bridge and stopping off in Hospital in Athy. The Cars went via Kilcullen, The Curragh , Kildare Town and Kildangan and on to Athy. The patients of St Vincents got a treat when tractors filled up the car park for the first time in its history and the drivers got a great buzz from this too. All Vehicles met up in Athy in both Shaws car park and Emily Square. The people of Athy gave generously in support of the huge array of vehicles, from Rolls Royces to Vintage Trucks which were on display. We all departed Athy at 2.30 heading back to Narraghmore, catching the last few rays of sunshine. All entrants and supporters warmed up with complementary soups and an old vintage favorite , Colcannon and Pig Hocks. Sean Deays hand is still stinging after deboning over 200 steaming hot hocks but the customers sure looked happy as they tucked in. A huge thanks to all the ladies who gave their time to the buttering and slicing of all the foods and sandwiches. With Tractors safely back in their sheds, the centre of attention became O’Lonneys Bar which entertained the crowds until closing time. We got a great treat from some of tractor fans who sang songs all night about cursing chickens, cats and scooters. Local bands entertained all and everyone had a great and safe night of fun.
Best Santa was won by Keith Meredith, Best Tractor was won by Tony Breen.
The Committee would like to thank all the sponsors and donators for their kind and generous support and a huge thanks to the local Athy Traffic Corp who made it a safe day for everyone who took part.   A special thanks to Ber and Colm Flynn,  Alice Treacy, Roxanne Treacy, Emer Morrin, Lydia Byrne, Emma Dunne, Carol and Dom Walsh, John and Caroline Doran, Jonathan Pelin,  and Joe Bell all who helped on the street and Nuala May, Maeve Deay and Kate Treacy, Mags Brown who worked so hard  with the food and of course, all Santas little helpers who sold Santa Hats to raise a few extra euro,   Final thanks to all who selflessly gave their time and effort the make this a day to remember.
Photos from the day are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/Flynn.Diarmaid/NarraghmoreVintageRun# and a DVD is also available. Email us @   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the bebo address www.bebo.com/narraghmoresanv