Big money raised to extend two local Tipperary graveyards

On Sunday, September 24, a tractor run organised by North Tipperary Vintage Association was held in Littleton, in aid of a development fund for the extension of Two Mile Borris and Moycarkey graveyards.

On a very wet and dark Sunday morning the old Creamery/Centenary Co-op yard was full of the latest models of huge computerised tractors while some jeeps and antique vehicles were parked in front of the Muintir na Tire hall.

Early arrivals enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat while awaiting late comers from the mid day mass.
Before setting off on a tour of the Ballymoreen, Parkstown, Horse and Jockey, Curraheen, Liskeveen and Ballybeg townlands,

Michael Fahy welcomed all, especially those from outside the parish boundaries.

Liam Morris reminded the drivers of safety procedures, and Tommy Healy thanked all on behalf of the graveyard committees.

Jim Martin was in charge of crowd control, while Billy Sweeney and Timmie Ryan from the Order of Malta provided First Aid assistance.

The sound of a huge number of tractors revving their engines and rearing to hit the road was one of the highlights of the day, especially for the children and teenagers who came along with their parents.

Sadly the planned walk was called off due to heavy rain and poor visibility. Homemade soup, sandwiches, pastries and confectionaries were served to the hungry drivers, and all present in what is known to the 1950 generation as Miss Sullivan’s Room.

They were joined by Fr Tom Fogarty P.P. who on behalf of the parish, thanked all who had helped with the organisation, served in the kitchen, donated food, took part with their tractors and all who made donations to the graveyard fund.

The extra food was donated to the 35 Ukrainian refugees, among whom, are many children, in our nearby Community and Sports Centre.

On what might have been a long, wet, dark or lonely Sunday for some people who work on their own in country areas, the work being done by Vintage Associations in bringing people together for a social chat and a sandwich is of huge importance.

According to Michael Fahy, these social get togethers to raise funds or learn about repairing vintage machinery help members forget their problems, and after a chat and a drink, they go home delighted.

Some have travelled to events in other countries where companionship is the main factor.

There are 10,000 members in the Iveta Club, which coordinates events nationwide.

Most of their fundraising has been done on behalf of North Tipperary Hospice’s. In collaboration with Clonoulty Vintage, €20,000 has been raised recently for this cause.

We wish them well in their future work and organisation.

Final thanks to Muintir na Tire for the use of the hall, and to our Parish Pastoral Committee who helped with the overall organisation.