With the country show and tractor road run schedule easing off a little, AgriLand was enthused to see such lofty levels of interest in vintage and classic farm machinery – across the length and breadth of the country.
It should also be said that many of these events raise much-needed funds for worthy local causes and charities, whilst also enabling collectors and farmers alike to indulge their respective passions for all things machinery-related.
We came across this eye-catching and varied convoy of tractors in Kilkenny recently, on our way back from a machinery auction.
Some have been lovingly restored; others are best described as a ‘work-in-progress’.
While some of the tractors pictured above would fall firmly into the ‘classic’ category, there is still plenty of interest in older ‘vintage’ models.
A good port of call for anyone with an interest in vintage machines is the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association (IVETA).
The IVETA was formed in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary in 1979 by a group of enthusiasts. The association has since grown to a membership in excess of 5,500. Some of the founding members are still actively involved.
In its 38 years of existence, the association has seen its membership spread to every county in Ireland; there are even overseas members.
According to the IVETA, local clubs that affiliate with it can avail of “very competitive and affordable insurance for their events” – either on a daily or yearly basis.
There are still several events remaining in 2017. For example, the West Limerick Vintage Club Vintage Show & Family Fun Day is scheduled for September 3. The Courtbrack Annual Threshing, Vintage Display Family Fun Day (in Co. Cork) is due to take place on September 10.
And there are eight other events planned between now and late November – in counties Carlow, Cavan, Limerick and Kerry.
