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Press RELEASES
3rd August 2009
23 july 2009
20 July 2009
5 July 2009
5 August 2008
21 July 2008
Press Releases 2009
Luck of the Irish for the Stradbally National Steam Rally
A certain element of ‘Luck of the Irish’ prevailed at this year’s Stradbally National Steam Rally, in Stradbally, County Laois. Whilst secretary and PRO, Pauline Madigan was confident the event was always going to go ahead, no matter what the weather, that element of ‘what if there’s torrential rain’ played on their minds at certain stages, she confessed.
But the rain steered clear and the event went on to record the biggest number of steam engines present at the rally in over a decade. And anyone who attended enjoyed a tremendous array of steam engines, vintage cars, tractors, oil engines as well as numerous trade stands including everything from home baking through to vintage clothing as well as hand made jewellery, paintings, decopage and autojumble stalls.
The real attraction for a lot of visitors this year though was the return of the Steam train through the woodlands of the Cosby estate. Clifton Flewitt, acting Secretary of the Irish Steam Preservation Society and railway supervisor, celebrated 40 years involved with the Irish Steam Preservation Society and the Stradbally Steam rally this year. Mr Flewitt, along with his team of voluntary railway crew, worked round the clock to ensure all went according to plan at the longest established Heritage railway in Ireland. And go to plan it did, as they recorded a good increase in visitors to the railway. Mr Flewitt expressed thanks to all those who helped bring the steam train back on track including every single one of his railway crew as well as donors including the tremendous support from the Heritage Council.
Wesley Glynn from Carlow was delighted to win the prestigious ‘slow race’ and he and his family are looking forward to bringing their engines to the massive ‘Great Dorset Steam Fair’ in September. The Dorset team also realized the importance of having a presence at the Steam Rally in Stradbally, as the Dorset Steam Fair, which covers an amazing 600 acres of ground in England, also had a stand in Stradbally, promoting their event in England.
Numerous steam and traction engines, steam rollers, steam wagons, tractors, oil engines, vintage cars and vintage farm machinery descended into the town on Saturday evening last. A carnival, dog demonstrations, steam threshing, stone crushing and sawing timber 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: ‘Our committee have put so much work into this event. I genuinely want to thank each and every one of them for the tremendous work and teamwork they displayed throughout the last few months. Of course, in addition to our committee, there are many people who also give of their time over the weekend of the rally and we genuinely appreciate this. 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.
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. People can join by simply logging onto www.irishsteam.ie’, Mr Graham concluded.