PHOTOS: Successful Ferbane tractor and motorcycle run raises funds for Parkinson's charity
A large group of tractor and motorcycle enthusiasts took part in a charity run which set off from Ferbane last Sunday in order to raise funds for Parkinson's Ireland.
Guests on the day included Offaly hurling legends Danny Owens and Padraig Horan, who jointly cut the tape to officially launch the event at Ferbane Business and Technology Park. Danny and Padraig are both living with Parkinson's Disease and were delighted to assist with the fundraising effort.
To date, the tractor and motorcycle run has raised over €2,500 - but the final figure is not yet known as many donations still coming in.
The participating tractors followed a local route within Offaly, while the motorcycle group started in Ferbane before travelling through Athlone, Ballymore, Mullingar and Castlepollard to the village of Fore, famous in the motorcycling world for its long history of road racing.
In Fore, the bikers enjoyed the hospitality of Jane O'Reilly and her team at the Fore Abbey Coffee Shop, with its beautiful views over the Abbey.
All of the food and refreshments for the participants was provided free of charge by Jane and her many generous suppliers, and the group wished to include a special word of thanks to Jane, her daughter Bibi, and Bernie Moran, who all prepared and served food on the day.
The organising committee also expressed gratitude to all of the groups and individuals that made this event possible.
These include the local Fire Services and Gardai for assisting with traffic management, the Ferbane Business and Technology Park and Brosna Press for facilities and sponsorship, Centra Ferbane, and those who organised the catering, registration, PA etc, which all allowed the event to run smoothly throughout.
The fine weather also played its part, allowing many spectators to visit the park and line the route as the motorcycles and tractors went by.
If people would like to contribute to this fundraiser, they can do so by logging on to www.parkinsons.ie including the text 'Ferbane Run' in the description of their donation.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects approximately 15,000 people in Ireland.
Parkinson's Ireland, has many regional branches that offer services and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families. Funds are vital to continue to provide such services, and 90% of all funding and donations received come from events such as this one.