It's the antique roadshow as vintage tractor restored for charity drive
A VINTAGE tractor with more than 800,000 kms on the clock is about to embark on a round-Ireland trip.
The unique charity drive is being undertaken by friends Joe Flanagan and Bill Doherty to raise funds for cancer research and other charities.
Joe, from Caherlistrane, in Co Galway, is undertaking the trip in support of cancer research, after his wife, Winnie, lost her battle with the illness four years ago. His grandchild Sarah (2) recovered from meningitis at Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin last year and he is anxious to give something back to those who helped his loved ones.
He now has his 1982 Fendt tractor in perfect order for the round trip, thanks to the efforts of Bill, a tractor repair expert and co-driver.
The tractor was nearly lost forever after a vandalism attack in Claregalway in 2001.
Joe spent three months restoring it, Bill did all the technical and mechanical work and Joe's nephew, Kenneth Kyne, did the electrical work.
Joe and Bill will set off from Kilmaine, Co Mayo, on September 10 and plan to complete the trip 11 days later and arrive in time for the National Ploughing Championships in Athy.
- Tom Gilmore
Irish Independent
