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Press Releases 2008

National Steam Rally back on track

Issued Tuesday 5th August 2008.

Organisers of the National Steam Rally in Stradbally were delighted with the success of this year’s event, particularly after last year’s cancellation, due to inclement weather conditions. The weather was perfect this year, where approximately 20,000 people attended the 44th National Steam Rally.

Numerous steam and traction engines, steam rollers, steam wagons, tractors, oil engines, vintage cars and vintage farm machinery descended into the town and for the first time ever an abundance of Model T Ford cars were on display, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the design of the car by Henry Ford.

Numerous family events were held over the August bank holiday weekend including a diesel loco engine which gave rides through the woodlands of the Cosby estate overseen by Clifton Flewitt. There was also a carnival, pony demonstrations and steam threshing, stone crushing and sawing timber which were also part of the fun.

Mr. Ken Graham, President of the Irish Steam Preservation Society was delighted with the success of this year’s rally commented: ‘Every year we continue to see how things can be improved and how we can make things better for next year. A lot was done this year to make the rally bigger and better than before and I am already looking forward to next year when we hope to improve things even moreso’, Mr Graham concluded.

Mr. Dick Dunne, Chairperson of the National Steam Rally said:

‘People were so disappointed after last year’s cancellation that there was an extra energy and re-invigoration of the event this year. There was an abundance of work completed by so many people in order to make this rally a success. I thank all our committee members and the voluntary support of so many people who give of their time every year. Of course, we are also very grateful to all the sponsors, the engine men, the exhibitors and of course, the gardai and the local community for believing in Stradbally once more’, concluded Mr. Dick Dunne.

92 year old Osmond (Ossie) Bennett, Vice-President of the Steam Preservation Society, spoke earnestly about the rally. ‘When it comes to my age, every year is obviously a bonus to me. I look forward to the National Steam Rally with eager anticipation every year and I have had a great time. I love how so many people come up and chat about the good old times and I feel there’s a great energy about the rally this year’, said Ossie Bennett.

The meal for two voucher for Spago restaurant at the Heritage Hotel was won by Sinead Leonard, from Clonkeen, Portlaoise, who is a daughter in law of Paddy Leonard, a key figure associated with the steam rally and who sadly passed away during the last year. Rally members also remembered with fondness Mr. Sean Barry, steward Willie Furlong, Mrs Pennyfeather and of course Mrs Cosby

The ‘Queen of Steam’ cup was presented to 24 year old Imelda Morton from Carlow and the slow race was won by Declan Lordam from Bandon, County Cork.

Mervyn Graham expressed gratitude to everyone that contributed to the gate collection for Laois Hospice, where over €6,000 was raised.

Mr. Ken Graham, President of the Irish Steam Preservation Society also called on younger people to join the Society in an effort to ensure the continued success of the National Steam Rally. At present, 80% of the Irish Steam Preservation Society are aged 60 years and over. Mr. Ken Graham, President of the Irish Steam Preservation Society commented:

‘I am always stressing that the children of today are tomorrow’s future and it is they who will continue to keep alive the Irish Steam Preservation Society. It costs €10 euro to join the society and I hope that the knowledge and guidance given by our generation to any up and coming younger members would help in securing the ongoing success of the society and of the National Steam Rally. It is up to us to teach and guide them on the wonderful preservation of steam engines in all their glory’, Mr Graham concluded.

One young person who has a tremendous interest in steam engines, and more particularly in the Narrow Gauge railway that runs through the woodlands of the Cosby estate is 12 year old Noel Condell. ‘I find the railway fascinating’, said 12 year old Noel. ‘My parents have brought me to the rally every year since I was so high and I love to see how the steam engines and railway works. I have even been delighted to have been left drive the train through the woodlands – with supervision of course - one or two times!’ said Noel.

Noel’s grand uncle, Mr. Harold Condell was one of the founding members of the rally back in 1965. A lot of his family including his parents, Eric and Sandra, his grandmother Marjorie and his two Uncles, Richard and Alan, all continue to work voluntarily at the rally every year.

‘It is hoped that more people as young as Noel will continue to get involved in the Irish Steam Preservation Society in order to secure its future’, concluded Mr Ken Graham. ENDS For further information and/or pictures, please contact: Pauline Madigan, 087-9984574

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‘Model Behaviour at the 2008 National Steam Rally in Stradbally County Laois ’ 44th National Stradbally Steam Rally

•Model T Ford Cars on display for the first time ever at the rally
Issued on Monday 21st July 2008.

The official launch of the National Steam Rally in Stradbally, took place today. For the first time ever at the rally, there will be an abundance of Model T Ford cars, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the design of the car by Henry Ford.

Steam enthusiasts and families from all over Ireland are expected at the premier event in the calendar of steam and vintage shows throughout Ireland. This premier event is the 44th steam rally which will be held in Stradbally, County Laois on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th August 2008.

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