News
and events
AGM
Our AGM took place in Drury' Ballinakill on Nov.24th 2009. The outgoing Committee were re- elected as was the Events Committee with the addition of Henry Pinkerton.
Some photos taken at AGM
Peamount Hospital Presentation
Club Member's, Michael Parish (Events) P.J.Mulhall (President) and Jimmy Finn who recently made a presentation to Peamount Hospital on behalf of the Ballinakill Club.Thanks was expressed to all who took part.
NCT Testing - older cars
As and from March 2009 the following applies in the case of cars over twenty five(25) years. At present there is no intention of changing this regulation.
Exemptions from NCT
For NCT purposes, a vehicle that is more than 30 years old is classed as 'vintage' and does not have to be tested. Classic cars are those cars aged 25 years or older and they must be tested until they are 30 years old. Cars permanently based on islands that are not connected to the mainland by road do not have to be tested.
Rathangan Vintage 27/09/09
There was a very big turnout at Rathangan Vintage Day on Sunday 27th Sept. A total of fourteen cars from the club attended. The best turned out car for the 1930s was won by Brendan O'Riley from Ballyroan with his 1934 Hillman 14 and best car for the 1950s was won by Joe Blanc from Mountmellick with his 1958 Wolseley 1500. The day was overcast but dry and most enjoyable.
Magazines to give away
Desmond Campbell has a complete collection of Autocar magazines covering the period 1946 to 1967 or thereabouts which he wants rid of but does not want to throw out. They were in the attic of his parents' house, and are in average condition for their age.They are available free of charge, and he will even deliver them free in the Dublin area.
If you are interested please email or phone.
Desmond E Campbell
Ph. 003531 288 9374
Email: desmondecampbell@yahoo.co.uk
Treasure Hunt 13/09/09
Congrats to D’Arne and Daine Flemming on winning our treasure hunt. The runner up was Mary and Pat Flynn. The weather was fabulous and ideal for rag tops. The rout was well planned and the nineteen clues were well thought out (the highest score on the clues was eighteen).Thanks to Michael Parish and Henry Pinkerton for arranging the event. Thanks to the Gandon staff for tea and sandwiches, Tom Treacy for the film show and special thanks to Michael McCormack for sponsorship.
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Congratulations to Tom Gorman of Station House, Mountmellick on winning our raffle for the late Jim LeBlanc`s Anglia 105E Estate. All members are delighted that Jim`s two cars are still in Mountmellick. Jims Wolseley 1500 is owned by his `brother Joe and the Anglia goes to Tom. The raffle was held at the Gandon Inn on the 27th July. Thanks to all who bought tickets.
WEEKEND AWAY
On Friday 26th June 9 cars set out from Mountmellick heading to Breaffy House Hotel Castlebar for the 25th anniversary running of the Connaught Club annual run.
Our first stop was Hatton’s Hotel in Roscommon where we had some refreshments , then off again arriving at Breaffy House for our two overnights, after booking into our room and a freshen up it was time for Registration and to catch up with old acquaintances and meet new ones
Saturday dawned fine and bright, it was time to check cars over and fill with petrol before the start at 11am.After the Lord Mayor of Castlebar welcomed us all,
We were proudly led by one of our own members Michael McCormack along with co-driver Poppy (the miniature Schnauzer sitting up in the front seat) in his 1911 Renault followed by 151 cars.
On exiting the hotel a Garda car had all traffic stopped on the main road allowing all cars out. Every junction was signed so no one would get lost. The run took us over the Neffin Mountains where the views were spectacular, we had missed the Rodademdrums by about one week which would have added to the spectacle. Our lunch stop was in Newport then on to the Museum which would take about two days to see all. We ended the evening with a Dinner Dance in the Hotel which was most enjoyable
After saying our good byes to old and new friends we headed back home from which I must say was a most enjoyable and well run weekend
Next year the Connaught Club Run will be based in Sligo which promises to be another excellent event.
Henry Pinkerton
Terenure College `09
The 18th Jaguar and Daimler Vintage Day took place on Sunday July 5th. At Terenure College Dublin. We had a turnout of fourteen cars; some of these cars are new to the club, namely Eddie Byrne’s Renault 16TX which has been beautifully restored by Eddie and his friend P.J.Mullhall, (well done on the paint job P.J.). The 16TX is getting to be a rare sight now and was probably one of the most comfortable and smoothest cars of their generation. Next is Pat Flynn’s Alfa Romeo convertible. This is also a beautifully restored example of this model and is like new. Pat tells me he came across it by mere chance,(lucky you Pat). The day started off with thunder and lightning at the Hazel Hotel and did not improve with some very heavy showers all day. Even though we had our gazebo it eventually leaked and was almost wetter inside than outside!
A family taking shelter in our gazebo Wetter inside than outside!
As the day went on there was an earlier than usual exit from the venue due to the weather. but well done to the members who braved the elements and still enjoyed the day.
see photo section
Deceased Members Memorial Run`
This run took place in glorious weather on Sunday June 21st to commemorate deceased members of our club. The Club met at the Gandon Inn and travelled to the Manor Hotel Abbeyleix for lunch. This was followed by a visit to De Vesci House Abbeyleix where the cars went on show. The run then proceeded to Drurey`s of Ballinakill for tea and sandwiches. We then had a presentation of our Deceased Members Perpetual Memorial Shield which was won by Tony Finlay.
Tony Finlay (right) being presented with the deceased Members memorial Shield by Chairman George Dalton
