The annual Crusheen Tractor Run, a cherished community event, is set to take place once again this St.Stephen’s Day.
This year’s event will be held in honour of Sinéad Dillon, a beloved member of the Crusheen community and will raise funds for Palliative Care Night Nurses, a vital organisation providing free end-of-life care to families in Clare and the surrounding areas. The Crusheen Tractor Run has been an annual event in the village for a number of years. Spearheaded by local farmer Raymond O’Grady the event is organised as a way to support various community needs, including purchasing defibrillators and aiding charities like Milford Hospice. This year’s event is held in memory of Sinead Dillon, who passed away from cancer and was instrumental in the event’s earlier days. All of the funds raised by the Tractor Run will be donated to Palliative Care Night Nurses who helped care for Sinead in her final months.
“This year, we wanted to fundraise for Palliative Care Night Nurses because they provide such an incredible free service,” explained Aine Dillon, a cousin of Sinéad and one of the current organisers. “They rely entirely on donations, and their support allows families to care for their loved ones at home during their final days. It’s something that’s close to all our hearts.”
Aine reflected on Sinéads past involvement in the Crusheen Tractor Run; “Sinead was involved with Raymond from the very start. Every year she’d be sitting up in the tractor with Raymond. She loved it.”
The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with registration for participants, with the children’s tractor run starting at 12pm and the main tractor run starting at 1 p.m. The registration cost for childrens tractors is €5 and for €10 for main tractors. The tractor run is open to all vehicles from tractors to vintage vehicles. The route weaves through Crusheen and Tubber before finishing at Whelan’s Pub, a favorite local spot.
Later in the evening, a marquee will host the auction, a raffle and a DJ, ensuring there’s something for everyone. “Even if you don’t have a tractor, you can still come along and get involved. It’s a real community day.”
For those that cannot attend the event on St.Stephen’s Day, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. If you would like to make a donation directly to the cause or provide some auction or raffle prizes contact; crusheentractorrun2024@gmail.com.
