Tractor runs set to roll, including a special women’s event

Two tractor runs will take place this May bank holiday weekend, in the counties of Laois and Westmeath, in aid of cancer support groups.

The ‘Green Diesel Queens‘ tractor run and ladies’ 6km walk will be held in Coolrain, Co. Laois.

This will be a tractor run with a twist, as it will be a ladies’ event – with women drivers encouraged to turn out in big numbers.

The charity tractor run, which is in aid of the Cuisle Centre Portlaoise, will be held on Sunday, April 30. RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne will be present at the event as a guest of honour.

The Cuisle Centre, based in Co. Laois, provides support to cancer patients and their families with a range of services.

These services include counselling, benefits advice, breast care, support groups, manual lymphatic drainage, classes on stress management and nutrition, and bereavement groups.

Tractor registration will take place at 1pm in the village at Sheeran’s Pub. Registration is free, though any sort of donation is welcome. The tractor run will start at 2.30pm.

All types of tractors are welcome – vintage, classic or modern.

Refreshments will be provided afterwards at Sheeran’s Pub with music performed by local acts Sham and Friends, Tim Chambers, Kieran Scott and Abbeyfolk.

Meanwhile, in Co. Westmeath, Ballinagore Macra will hold a Charity and Vintage Car Run in aid of LARCC Cancer Support Centre – also on Sunday. April 30.

The run will be held at Ballinagore GAA Grounds with registration at 10.30am. The run will start at 11.30am sharp.

Cancer support sanctuary LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre)  is a national cancer support centre located in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath.

It provides a broad range of psychological and emotional services to those living with cancer or to those who have been affected by it.

These include one-to-one counselling, therapies, nurse support, lymphatic drainage, bereavement support and a telephone helpline.

Registration for the run costs €25. Refreshments will be provided and a raffle will be held on the day, for what is promised to be a “great day out”.