The Shrule and District Vintage Club has announced its third annual rally in Castlehacket Estate, Caherlistrane, Belclare, Tuam. The use of this exquisite estate has been graciously provided, free of charge, by Donagh and Phillip for the third year running. Funds raised on the day will go to Ability West’s services in Tuam and the Cranmore Centre in Ballinrobe.
Ability West provides services and supports to 484 children and adults with an intellectual disability throughout Galway city and county. In line with its vision and strategic plan we provide services and supports to people with an intellectual disability, to enable them to realise their dreams and ambitions. Services are provided as close as is possible to the individual’s community. Ability West is also patron to four special schools throughout the county. In the Tuam area, Ability West provides services in 11 locations, in addition to St Oliver’s Special School, and in total caters for 83 children and adults with intellectual disability.
The third annual rally to be organised by The Shrule and District Vintage Club will be held this Sunday. Last year a very successful rally was held which highlighted the community spirit and co-operation of those involved and the proceeds of which went towards equipment for a multisensory room. In 2009 the proceeds went towards the purchase of a school bus for St Oliver’s School. Musicians Matt Keane, Dolores Keane, Stone Lakes, Vickers Vimmy, Sarah Keating, The Coonics, The Ralphs, Padraig Stevens and many more entertained the crowds and gave so generously of their time at the 2010 event. The Tuam All stars, Earwig Drummers, Emma O Sullivan and the Tuam Gymnastics Club also performed on the day.
The members of the Vintage Club worked tirelessly and effortlessly to ensure the success of the day and their efforts were heartily appreciated. Ability West’s service users also worked with the rally organisers in the week preceding the 2010 rally and great friendships were forged.
The 2011 Vintage Rally aims to raise funds to enable Ability West to provide facilities to enhance services that would not otherwise be possible in these straightened times. This year organisers anticipate another very successful day with attractions such as: vintage car and tractor displays, commercial display, dog show, lots of children’s entertainment, threshing, cooking, churning and crafts display and much more. We will also have an exciting dog show which will take place on the Croquet Lawn located on the estate. Musical attractions this year include: Matt Keane, Dolores Keane, Frankie and Sean Gavin, Gary Quinn and Friends, John Faulkner and Mary Shannon. All of these acts are giving their time for free. Also performing on the day is Top Form.
Admission for adults is €10 and children are free. Pre-sold tickets are on sale this year at a cost of €10. Free entry to a raffle on the day with lots of prizes kindly donated by Akin promotions for which we are greatly appreciative.
For further information contact Madge McGreal or Cathal Ryan from Ability West on 087 9902392 or 087 6820265.
