With the weather forecast looking cautiously optimistic for the June Bank Holiday this weekend, here’s a rundown on just some of the events taking place around the country.

Undoubtedly the largest event taking place in the south of the country this weekend is the Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally taking place beside the Co. Cork village on Sunday the 2^nd and Monday the 3^rd. Every year the 38-acre site reverberates to one of the very largest turnouts of steam engines in the country, as well as working displays, music, crafts and more vintage and classic vehicles than you can shake a stick at. With local rugby star Jack Crowley officially opening the event, it’s shaping up to be another blockbuster, all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society as always. For more information, see www.isvrally.com.

Another well-known event taking place across the weekend is the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run, which takes participants around the route that hosted the infamous 1903 race. From Friday the 31^st to Monday the 3^rd, a packed schedule of festivities and driving awaits classic drivers hailing from all over Ireland and the UK, as they travel around Counties Kildare, Laois and Carlow, in celebration of ‘the race that saved motorsport’; for more information, see www.gordonbennettclassic.ie.

In the north west, the South Leitrim West Cavan Vintage Tractor Club will once again host their popular show and family day at St. Felim’s in Ballinamore in Co. Letrim on Sunday the 2^nd of June, which is open to pre-1994 cars, tractors and stationary engines. Proceeds are in aid of Irish Cancer Support nurses and local defibrillator groups, and more details can be obtained from Joe on 086 8180191 or Cian on 086 0616422.

Also in the north of the country, Jack & Bertie’s Fundraising Car Show will take place on Saturday the 1^st at Armagh Palace Demesne on Friary Road in Armagh (BT60 4EN), and is open to all makes and models of cars and motorbikes – prepaid entries can be made on the Eventbrite page, and more details can be obtained by calling 0044 (0)75 25337554.

Moving southwards, the Longford Vintage Club will hold their very successful annual vintage show and family fun day at Longford Barracks on Sunday the 2^nd, which always attracts a fascinating turnout of vehicles from the surrounding counties; call 087 1167630 for more information.

The gateway to the sunny southeast, Dungarvan in Co. Waterford will see the Yesteryear Motor Club host their annual Walton Park by the Sea event in Walton Park in the seaside town on Sunday the 2^nd, with overnight parking available with advance notice; call Noel on 087 9700720 for details.

The Kingdom of Kerry will see another popular event take place on Sunday the 2^nd when the Roughty Valley Vintage Club hold their annual event in Kilgarvan village, with plenty to see and do; details are available from 086 8928769.

And finally, rounding off the busy bank holiday, the regular cars & coffee meet will take place on Monday the 3^rd at the Tesco Extra Car Park in Gorey, Co. Wexford from 10am to 1pm, hosted by Gorey Motor Club; see their social media pages for more information.

Wherever you go this weekend, be safe on the road, and we hope you have an enjoyable bank holiday.

By Andrew Pollock, Editor

One of the biggest and best-known events taking place this weekend is the May Day Steam Rally at Shane’s Castle in Co. Antrim, which takes place in beautiful surroundings and attracts a massive turnout from all over the island. From steam engines and old-time working displays to fairgrounds and animal farm, it’s a great event for all ages. Taking place on Sunday the 5^th and Monday the 6^th, more information can be found at www.shanescastlesteamrally.co.uk.

Another weekend-long event taking place on the opposite end of the island is the Wexford Sports & Classic Car Club’s car show on Sunday the 5^th, based on the quays in New Ross beside the Dunbrody famine ship. On Monday the 6^th will follow a road run in aid of the RNLI, with registration on the quays from 10am; for more details, see the Facebook page of the Wexford Sports & Classic Car Club.

An event that’s been building in popularity since its introduction a few years ago is the vintage rally held at the Castleinch car boot sale venue on the Callan Road in Kilkenny; this year’s takes place on Monday the 6^th, with plenty of exhibits and traders planning to make the trip. For more details, see the Castleinch Venue page on Facebook.

A long-running show that needs little introduction to many enthusiasts in the south of the country is the Clonmel Veteran, Vintage & Classic Car Club’s annual event at Powerstown Park racecourse, on the outskirts of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Preceded by a road run on Saturday the 4^th, the main static show takes place on Sunday the 5^th, and comes highly recommended. For updates, see the Clonmel Veteran, Vintage & Classic Car Club page on Facebook.

Moving up the country, another very highly-regarded show is that run by the Shamrock Car & Machinery Club each year at the excellent venue of the Hamlet Court Hotel in Johnstownbridge, Co. Kildare, which has the added bonus of plenty of indoor space to house the event’s model displays. This year’s takes place on Monday the 6^th, and more information can be found on the Shamrock Car & Machinery Club’s Facebook page.

Hosting the IVETA All-Ireland Rally this year, the Kiltulla & District Vintage Club’s ever-popular autojumble takes place in Kiltulla, Co. Galway on Saturday the 4^th, followed on Sunday the 5^th by their show and family fun day. This is shaping up to be a busy weekend out with plenty of vintage and classic machinery to peruse, as well as lots of jumble to rummage through; for more details, call 087 1499688.

A quite new event that’s small but very high quality is Cars at the Cathedral, held on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick City on Saturday the 4^th. This event has already attracted some amazing machinery in its short life including a Lamborghini Miura and McLaren F1, so it’s always worth a look; for more details, see the event’s Facebook page.

Elsewhere, the Leinster branch of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club returns to the National Event Centre in Swords, Co. Dublin on Sunday the 5^th, which has been greatly anticipated as this indoor show was formerly an excellent way to kick off the motorcycle show calendar in an indoor setting. The ever-active Celtic Old Vehicle Owners Club hold their long-running Norman Pratt Memorial Run on the same day, based this year at the Headfort Hotel in Kells, and Sunday also sees the Gorey Cars & Coffee meet take place at the Tesco Extra car park in the town from 10am to 1pm. Besides this there are many other runs and gatherings taking place all over the island, as listed below, so as always we’d ask you to support one (or two) where you can, as most are held in aid of great causes and take a lot of effort to host by the organisers. Wherever you go this weekend, be safe on the road, and we hope you have an enjoyable bank holiday.

OTHER EVENTS

3^rd & 4^th May: Killyman Motorcycle & Car Show, Church of Ireland Hall, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone

3^rd to 5^th May: 44^th Galway Classic Motorcycle Rally, based at Clifden Station House Hotel

4^th to 6^th May: Ballincollig Vintage Motor Club weekend away to West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen

5^th May: Northern Ireland Vauxhall Opel Club meet at Junction One Retail Park, Antrim

5^th May: Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club trip to South County Fishing Resort, Carlow

6^th May: The DeCourcey Vintage Club car and tractor run from Ballinspittle, Co. Cork

6^th May: Millstreet Vintage Club cars & coffee meet at Mallow GAA Complex, Co. Cork from 10.30am to 3pm

Now, the company is delighted to launch H J Pugh & Co (Ireland) Ltd, their Irish auction business. Their first live and online auction will be held in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway on Saturday the 23^rd of March, and will include vintage, classic and later tractors, vehicles, implements and some spares. Senior partner Howard Hugh has been conducting auctions for over fifty years and has made many friends and clients in Ireland in that time, and so is excited about the fresh adventure of conducting auctions in Ireland. Items already consigned in this first auction include a Turner tractor, Austin tractor, Ferguson tractors and implements and an early fire engine, while further selected items may be included by the owners’ agreement. The owner has a secure yard and loading facilities, and more details will appear in the next issue of Irish Vintage Scene Magazine.

For more information on the sale, or for any enquiries on selling an item to a full collection, contact Howard Pugh on (from RoI) 0044 78 3638 0730 or howard@hjpugh.com, or Henry Biss on 0044 79 3558 7155 or h.biss@hjpugh.com.

There will be free, unlimited parking at Galway Racecourse, and no limit either to the amount of space we can provide for displays, so Miniature World is sure to be much bigger and better at this new venue. 

The show takes place on Sunday the 7^th of April, and we are now inviting exhibitors to get in touch with us about displaying at the show; to contact us, please email tom@irishvintagescene.ie.

One that’s always worth the trip (and holds the title of being the very first event I personally reported on for Irish Vintage Scene, running the report in our first ever issue) is the Shrule Autojumble & Auction. This year it takes place on Sunday the 18^th of February, and always attracts the top traders in Ireland to the village of Shrule on the Mayo/Galway border (eircode H91 FX39).

Heading up this issue is a low-riding 1964 VW Karmann Ghia that was rescued from fourteen years in storage, but  as you can see from the photo on the cover, not with the intention of a concours restoration. There’s also an incredible Mk1 Escort rally car that’s towed around by a period-perfect Ford Granada support car, as well as a Mitsubishi FTO V6 track-day toy, a Nissan Sunny ZX Coupe, and we drop into rallycross legend Denis Biggerstaff to check out some of his amazing collection of competition cars and the new home he’s just built for them. Event reports come from the Armagh City Car & Bike Show, ALMC Motor Club Show, the Causeway Coast Mini Weekend, Jumpstart Cars & Coffee, the Classic & Old Skool Summer Show, the Carole Nash Historic Festival, the Nenagh Classic Car Club Show and reviews of the 2023 Future Classics race series and historic and modified classes of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, so there’s a lot to get your teeth into, as always.

This show is proof that bigger is not always better. It is smaller than the NEC Classic Motorshow held in November, but it has so much more to enjoy and is much easier to see, especially if you’re only doing a day trip to the very accessible NEC in Birmingham. The name is the giveaway – this show is all about restoration, and every stand you visit will have a vehicle in the middle of a rebuild. In many cases there will even be someone working on the project as you watch, and could even be welding and grinding away.

The other highlight, for me anyway, is the Barn Find Corner. Wow, they sure do find some basket cases to display here, and believe it or not it’s a competition to see what it the best barn find. Last year’s was won by the red Mini with a custom boot added by its owner (see photo). You will always see a car here that you haven’t seen before.

As well as all of this, there will be the Classic Workshop, and the Classic Car Auction always has something to tempt. I tend to try and stay away from this section for that very reason… The Dream Rides will be in action, and celebrities like Mike Brewer, Fuzz Townshend and Ant Anstead will be on the stage and in the workshop area. So all in all, there’s lots to see and do at this amazing show.

If you’d like to read my report from the 2023 event, which appeared in our August ’23 issue, then just click on the cover image.

For more details on the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, or to get your tickets, then log onto https://www.necrestorationshow.com/. To save £2 on the ticket price, use the code irishvintage24.

This month’s tractor feature is a tale of reunion, as this David Brown 880 was bought new by its owner’s father in 1971, but disappeared from the family’s radar up until it was spotted in a hedge in 2019! Our commercial vehicle feature looks at a Citroen AK400 van that was one of a small number of RHD versions built for the Belgian postal service, and rounding off our features for this month is a pair of classic small Yamahas, an RS125 and RXS100, which are real pieces of nostalgia for any biker that started their riding days on a two-stroke.

Lots of the usual favourites are in there too, including event reports from earlier in the year from the Ballyfin Vintage Rally, Malahide Lions Club Classic Car Show, the Chrome Classic Car & Bike Show and the Monaghan V&V Rally, so don’t miss out – get your December 2023 issue of Irish Vintage Scene at any good newsagent, or order it directly from us at www.irishvintagescene.ie.

Once again the Fords led the way in the 160-lot car auction, and set some records along the way for some very special examples. My all-time dream car, the RS200 was the highlight of the auction – I remember seeing one of these for sale at Essen about ten years ago for €100,000 and thinking, “Okay, I love these cars, but they are out of control at this price.” Well, last weekend a very special RS200 came to auction – an Evolution model, one of only four in right hand drive and possibly the only one of these built by Ford and not a later conversion. If that didn’t make it special enough, the odometer reads that only twelve miles have been covered in its life. This has to be the ultimate Ford, and the price reflected that as the hammer dropped at £486,000stg. Not a record for one of these I believe, but definitely a UK and European record. All I can say is best of luck to the new owner, and before you ask, it’s not me!

Next up, however, was a definite record-breaker. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Mk1 Escort RS2000 as good as this 1974 example before; it was the result of a five-year restoration by a self-confessed perfectionist, and the result is just magical. This one had bidders falling over each other to buy it, and the hammer finally dropped at £108,000stg, a new record for a Mk1 Escort. A big brother of the Mk1, also up for auction was a Mk2 RS2000 Custom, which sold for £45,000.

Another car with some special provenance was the very last Sapphire RS Cosworth 4×4 ever made. Coming from a private collection with only 22,000 miles on the clock, the hammer dropped for £84,375stg, a top price for a Sapphire. In contrast, I think there was a bargain had in another Sapphire Cosworth, one of 78 Rouse Sport 304R models fitted with the Andy Rouse sports package; this 1990 car sold for £29,250 and was a hidden gem, in my opinion.

Finally comes the 1984 Mk2 Transit Custom. If you were at the NEC you would have seen that, although recently refreshed, this amazing specimen was unrestored. It’s impossible to understand how this van survived in this condition, but with only 18,885 miles on the clock it certainly hadn’t worked too hard.  Well, it sold for £46,125stg, an impressive figure for a Transit for sure. 

There were lots more vehicles that made great prices at this Iconic Auctions sale, not just Fords, and it proves one thing – good vehicles are still a great investment.

Report by Tom Heavey, Managing Editor

This year’s Classic Fest benefactor was the Parent Accommodation Fund of the Neonatal ICU Unit in University Hospital Galway, who at a recent presentation at the Oranmore Lodge Hotel received a cheque for €10,000 from event organisers Thomas and Pauline Heavy of Irish Vintage Scene, based in Oranmore. The success of this Parent Accommodation Fund means that parents of critically ill or premature babies who are not from Galway will have their accommodation needs supported during their stay in Galway. Unfortunately there is no accommodation available for this unit in the hospital, so it’s all private, paid-for accommodation that’s used, and the donation from Classic Fest will help those families at this very stressful time in their lives.

The cheque was present to Dr Johannes Letshwiti, consultant neonatologist and Irene Glynn, clinical nurse manager of the Neonatal ICU Unit. On presenting the cheque, the event organisers thanked everyone who made Classic Fest so memorable, adding: “We, both as a family and company, are delighted to be able give something back to the NICU unit in Galway, where miracles happen. Our grandchild, Kai Naughton, spent his first six months of life in the NICU unit, where he received the best care anyone could ask for. We as a family were lucky that we lived close by, but with babies coming to the unit from as far away as Donegal, others have the added stress of finding accommodation. We are delighted to be helping those families with this donation from Classic Fest ‘23.”

The big news this month is that the date has been set for Classic Fest 2024. Once again, Galway Racecourse will be the place to be on Sunday the 30^th of June, so be sure to add it to your diary for next year, and we sincerely hope to welcome you on the day. For further updates over the coming months, keep an eye on our Facebook page or see www.irishvintagescene.ie.

Well the mornings might be getting dark as well as the evenings, and the weather is just not that favourable right now, but there’s still lots to do on the vintage and classic scene, and this weekend proves that. There are at least four events I’d love to be going to this weekend, but alas the family have other plans, which I also look forward to.

The weekend kicks off with the Toy & Model Auction on Saturday the 7^th in the Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow, Co Laois, which is a great chance to add to your model collection. Organiser Kevin Finlay has some superb lots lined up for this weekend, and for sure I’d be bidding if I were there!

If miniatures are your thing, then there is more for you to look forward to this weekend as Brian Collins will host the Collectables Fair in the Carlton Hotel near Dublin Airport on Sunday the 8^th, which is another great event and always boasts a fine offering of models and related items for sale. At the other end of the country, Sunday will also see Donie Lucy and his team hold the Millstreet Vintage Club’s Model Show in Millstreet, Co Cork.

If motorcycles are passion, then the best show of the year for you takes place in Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin this Saturday, hosted by the Irish Veteran & Vintage Motor Cycle Club. This brilliant event features some of the country’s best bike restorations on display, vying for prestigious trophies, as well as an autojumble that is the Mecca for bike owners.

On the note of autojumbles, there are two to choose from on Sunday. The Irish Vintage Engine & Tractor Association will hold theirs at their headquarters, the fabulous Swallow’s Quarters in Donaghmore in Co. Laois, while over in Moynalty in Co. Meath there will be another autojumble on the grounds of the Moynalty Steam Threshing Museum. The museum itself will also be open on the day, which will be another bonus if heading to Meath.

Lastly but definitely not least, and one of the events I’d certainly be attending if I were available, is the Ballinasloe & District Vintage Club’s vintage display on the streets of the Co. Galway town on Sunday the 8^th, as part of the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. This started off a number of years ago as a small club display, but has grown and grown and is now a superb event in its own right that is well worth a visit this Sunday. 

8th October: Ballinagree Vintage Club tractor and car run from Ballinagree, Macroom, Co. Cork; for details, call Johnny on 086 1931773 (for car) or Billy on 087 6757447 (for tractors).

8th October: Moynalty Steam Threshing annual autojumble and outdoor event at Moynalty Museum, Moynalty, Co. Meath, A82 C6K7; for more info, call Willie on 087 2962772 or Sean on 086 3433750.

8th October: Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Club Car Run; for details, call Tom Leslie on 087 238 3809.

8th October: Ballinasloe & District Vintage Club’s annual vintage street display with special marquees, working arena, French market, dog show and more; for info, email bdvcvintage@gmail.com or call 089 4440418.

8th October: Wicklow Vintage Club’s Terence Dunne Threshing & Old-Time Farm Day at Dunne’s Farm, Muskeagh, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, in aid of South Wicklow Hospice Home Care; for more info, call Terence on 087 2794761.

The first piece of news we bring you is on a sad note, in regards to Mountbellew Vintage Club’s long-anticipated show on the grounds of Mountbellew Mart in Galway – this normally takes place in July, but had to be postponed this year to this Sunday the 24^th of September due to poor weather. Now, unfortunately this new date has also had to be cancelled for a second time due to ground conditions, so this event is not going ahead for 2023. A very popular event that’s built up a great name for itself over the years, we look forward to seeing Mountbellew Vintage Show back in action in 2024. For more details, call 086 2157160 or see the Mountbellew Vintage Club’s Facebook page.

Another highly-regarded event that is taking place this weekend is the Castledermot Vintage Club’s annual threshing and vintage working day in the Co. Carlow town. Festivities kick off on Saturday night at 7pm with a steam engine parade followed by a barbeque and music in O’Neill’s Bar. The gates to the main event open the following morning (Sunday the 24^th) at noon, with all sorts of family fun in store including a dog show, bric a brac, tractor pulling, crafts and, of course, vintage and classic vehicles and machines galore. There’ll be live music all day, and proceeds go to local charities including Castledermot Ladies’ Football Club. For more details, call Catherine on 085 7602627 or see the club’s Facebook page.

Another rescheduled vintage show taking place on Sunday the 24^th is the Ballinagree Vintage Club’s field day in Ballinagree village, north of Macroom in Co. Cork. Their 20^th anniversary event, the club have a lot lined up for the day, which will be officially opened at 1pm by Special Olympics world medal holder Seamus O’Sullivan. With side shows, dog show, competitions for the best-dressed lady and gent and a large display of vintage and classic cars and tractors, it’s shaping up to be a fun day out for all ages – for more details, call Joanne on 087 0941167 or see the Ballinagree Vintage page on Facebook.

Elsewhere in the country, Dunderry Vintage Club will hold their annual threshing festival in the Co. Meath village on Saturday the 23^rd from 2pm, featuring extensive working displays with two threshing mills in action, music from The Highwaymen and a competition for the longest sod! See their Facebook page for more information or call Seamus on 086 8662446. Moving east, the seaside town of Bray in Co. Wicklow will be invaded by classics this weekend for the Bray Vintage Car Club’s 2023 Vintage Weekend. Open to all pre-1993 cars, there will be a leisurely and scenic road run on Saturday the 23^rd starting from Newtownmountkennedy, in advance of a static show on Bray’s Victorian seafront by the bandstand on Sunday the 24^th – all of Sunday’s display cars are asked to be in position by 12.30pm and to remain until 4pm. For more details, see the club’s Facebook page or call 086 1650353.

In addition to all of the above shows there are a variety of road runs taking part all over the island, from the Ulster Vintage Commercial Vehicle Club’s end-of-season run to the Broomhill Vintage Club’s DenJoe Dineen Memorial Vintage & Classic Car Run from Carrigadrohid in Cork – see below for a full list, and wherever you end up this weekend we hope you travel safely and have a great day out!

22nd to 24th September: Cortina Owners Club of Ireland’s Autumn Run to the Abbey Hotel, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork; for details, call Pat Ryan on 087 2663986 or John O’Sullivan on 087 2989277.

23rd September: The Annual Clady Vintage Club Harvest Threshing Festival, Dunderry, Co. Meath from 2pm; for details, call Seamus on 086 8662446.

23rd & 24th September: Bray Vintage Car Club’s 15th Annual Vintage Weekend in Bray, Co. Wicklow, with run on Saturday and show on Sunday; for more info, see the club’s Facebook page or call 086 1650353.

23rd & 24th September: Ulster Vintage Commercial Vehicle Club’s End of Season Run; for details, call Adrian on 0044 (0)78 66413023, Trevor on 0044 (0)77 11243134 or Liam on 0044 (0)78 01771128.

24th September: Mountbellew Vintage Show, on the grounds of Mountbellew Mart, Mountbellew, Co. Galway, rescheduled from previous July date due to weather. Open to all types of vintage exhibits over 30 yrs old. Wanted for special displays are oil engines, Porsche cars and Lanz Bulldog tractors; for more details, call 086 2157160.

24th September: Broomhill Vintage Club’s DenJoe Dineen Memorial Vintage & Classic Car run, with registration at 11am for departure at noon from Carrig Inn, Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork; for details, call Tadgh on 087 2426343 or Tim on 086 8663729.

24th September: Ballinagree Vintage Club’s vintage field day in Ballinagree village, near Macroom, Co. Cork. PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE; for info, call Joanne O’Riordan on 087 0941167.

24th September: Clare Vintage Club’s Anthony Barry Memorial Run; for more info call Kieran Fox on 086 8762597.

24th September: Castledermot Vintage Club’s 14th Annual Vintage Day in Castledermot, Co.Kildare, in aid of charity, with parade and BBQ on Sat 23rd; for more info, call Catherine on 085 7602627.

The first one we should give a shout out to is the Shrule & District Vintage Club’s vintage show in Co. Mayo, as its original date back in early July was postponed to this Sunday, the 10^th of September due to poor weather at the time. Taking place in Glencorrib, Shrule, Co. Mayo, H91 Y9WA, this is a hugely-respected event put on by a hard-working club, boasting free children’s entertainment, a monster autojumble, dog show, dancing and of course all manner of vintage and classic vehicle and machinery displays, so we really hope the weather gets on their side for their new date this Sunday. Adult entry is €10 and children go free – see www.shrulevintage.ie for more information.

Also taking place on Sunday the 10^th is a very different event, but just as special, with the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club’s Statham Rally for pre-war cars (up to 1939) being based at the stylish Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny. Following registration at 10am the participating cars will set off on a run around local landmarks that will incorporate some timed regularity sections, before returning to the Pembroke Hotel that afternoon for a buffet lunch and announcement of results. For more information, see www.ivvcc.ie.

For those with an interest the ways of times past and how we used to live, work and farm in the last century, an upcoming event run by the Monaghan Veteran & Vintage Club comes highly recommended. On Sunday the 10^th the club and anyone else that would like to attend will be welcomed to an open day at the vintage museum of Benny and Mary McCabe in Killydonnelly, Smithboro, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y397. Between 12 noon and 5pm Benny and Mary will share their impressive collection as well as their knowledge of the exhibits and their histories, with refreshments and a warm welcome in store. Proceeds from the day will go in aid of Drumkill Daycare Centre and the Crocus charity, with donations at the museum appreciated. To find out more, see the Monaghan Veteran & Vintage Club’s Facebook page.

Not a million miles away, the Knockbridge Vintage Club will hold their annual vintage rally the same day, Sunday the 10^th in the Co. Louth village, not far from Dundalk. This event is highly anticipated by countless enthusiasts and members of the public alike for its combination of working displays, live music, old vehicle/machinery exhibits and family entertainment of all sorts. From vintage fashion to flower arranging, dog show to traditional crafts, there’s a lot of fun in store in Knockbridge this Sunday – see the Knockbridge Vintage Club’s Facebook page for more details.

All the way at the other end of the island, the ever-active Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Club will hold one of their very popular car shows at Killarney Racecourse in the tourist capital of the Kingdom of Kerry. There, they promise to put on another great spectacle, with the event open to all classic, vintage, retro and modified cars, jeeps and motorbikes. A special call is being put out for lady owners and drivers of these vehicles to attend, with a special raffle draw for all lady owners on the day. There will also be an opportunity to win a fantastic 1979 Land Rover restored by the Killarney Valley Club in a raffle in support of local charities, and entry fee is by donation, with children going free. For more details, see www.killarneyvalleycv.com or the Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Facebook page.

As well as all of the above events there are all manner of road runs taking place around the island, including the Déjà Vu classic rallycar run in Co. Cork on Saturday the 9^th – see a full list of this weekend’s events below, and if you are able to support any of them, we hope you have a fantastic day out.

10th September: Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club’s Statham Rally for pre-war cars (1939), to include regularities, based at the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny. To register, email events@ivvcc.ie; for more info, call 087 9131337.

10th September: Shrule & District Vintage Club’s rescheduled vintage show in Glencorrib, Shrule, Co. Mayo, H91 Y9WA; for info, call James on 087 285574 or Bartley on 086 8246671 or see www. shrulevintage.ie.

10th September: Monaghan Veteran & Vintage Club open day at Benny and Mary McCabe’s vintage museum, Killydonnelly, Smithboro, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y397 from 12pm to 5pm. All proceeds to Crocus Cancer Support, Monaghan; for info, call Mary on 047 57249 or see the club’s Facebook page.

10th September: Irish Model T Ford Club’s autumn run, assembling at the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise at 10.30am; for details, call Sean McEvoy on 087 6689571.

10th September: Courtbrack Vintage Society’s Annual George Spillett Memorial Vintage Vehicle Road Run, from Courtbrack, Blarney, Co. Cork; for details, call John on 087 7838513.

10th September: Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Club car show at Killarney Racecourse; for details, call Tom Leslie on 087 238 3809.

10th September: Knockbridge Vintage Club annual vintage show and working day, Knockbridge, Co. Louth; for more info, call Richard on 087 9763355 or see the Facebook page or website.

10th September: Knockaderry Charity Vintage Run from Knockaderry training field, Co. Limerick; for more info, call Noel Sexton on 083 8003900 or John Paul Downes on 087 3461905

            During the week we received news from the organising Wicklow Vintage Club that one of the main events taking place this weekend in the east of the country, their annual Liam Kelly Memorial Vintage Show & Run scheduled for Sunday the 27^th, has been cancelled and will not be taking place this year. This much-loved local event always showcases a great variety of exhibits, from working machinery to gleaming chrome – the Wicklow Vintage Club have apologised for any inconvenience caused, and we wish them well and hope to see their event return next year.

            Another interesting day out for car fans will take place farther north in the country, as the ALMC Motor Club host their Rally & Performance Car Show. This now-regular event takes place on the incomparable grounds of Slane Castle in Co. Meath, which on its own makes this a unique car show on the summer calendar. Add in displays of all manner of exotic and fast classics and you’ve something really different, and one that’s well worth checking out if you’re in the area.

            The centre of the island will see the Midland Vintage & Classic Car Club hold their 36^th Athlone Vintage & Classic Car Rally from the 25^th to 26^th of August, while in the northwest the ever-active Donegal Vintage & Classic Car Club will hold their annual Clanree Show at the Clanree Court Hotel in Letterkenny this Sunday the 27^th, a great venue in which to showcase some of the many fantastic classic cars in the region. The above are in addition to several other road runs and club runs taking place around the island, so wherever you are, please do try to get along to one in support if you can, as it makes all the difference to the organisers and the hobby as a whole. Wherever you head this weekend, we hope you enjoy it, and stay safe on the roads out there.

25th & 26th August: Midland Vintage & Classic Car Club’s 36th Athlone Vintage & Classic Car Rally; for details, email ballycumberhouse@ gmail.com or phone Connie on 087 2560876 or Roy on 087 8213134. 

25th to 27th August: Imp Club in Ireland’s Imp Weekend, based at the Horse & Hound Hotel, Ballynabola, Co. Wexford; for more info, call John Sheppard on 087 9883450. 

27th August: West Cork Vintage Club run, leaving Model Railway Village, Clonakilty at 11.30am; for more info, see the club’s Facebook page. 

27th August: ALMC Motor Club’s Rally & Performance Car Show at Slane Castle, Co. Meath, C15 XP83; for info, call John Carroll on 087 2654241 or email johncarroll1001@gmail.com. 

27th August: Kilkenny Motor Club Show at St James’ Park, Kilkenny; for info, call Eamonn on 087 9441900. 

27th August: Donegal Vintage & Classic Car Club’s Clanree Show at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny; for details, call Dessie Dolan on 087 6754062. 

27th August: Wicklow Vintage Club’s Annual Liam ‘Tiny’ Kenny Memorial Show & Run at Ballinacor Community Park, Carriglineen, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow, A67 WY83, with registration from 11am. All classic/vintage vehicles welcome; for details, call James on 086 1030761. 

First off is the one and only Stradbally Steam Rally at Cosby Hall in Co. Laois on the 6^th and 7^th, a long-running event that needs little introduction to enthusiasts. With the resident steam train that gives rides through the estate, acres of display space, extensive autojumble and exhibits of all kinds, from steam engines to cars, tractors and more, either day of the Stradbally rally is always an interesting expedition for all ages – for more information, see www.irishsteam.net or their Facebook page.

Not a million miles away, the 29^th Inistioge Vintage Rally will take place in the picturesque Co. Kilkenny village on Sunday the 6^th, another very well established event in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Nore that’s very well supported by many enthusiasts. It’s preceded this year by a tractor road run to the venue by the Slievenamon Vintage Tractor Club on Saturday the 5^th, and the main event will feature plenty of family entertainment and proceeds will go in aid of the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team. For more information, see the event’s Facebook page.

Moving a little farther north, the Breffni Vintage Club’s annual vintage day in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan will kick off on Sunday the 6^th of August (more information from Patrick on 087 2631580), while moving east, the streets of Baltinglass in Co. Wicklow will be lined with classic and vintage cars ahead of the West Wicklow Classic Club’s annual run, with a static display in the town from 11am in advance of the main run at 2pm; more details are available from 089 2160673.

Down in the south of the country, the DeCourcey Vintage Club will hold their annual harvest working day at Artitege, near Ballinspittle in Co. Cork on Monday the 7^th (call John on 087 2667296 for information), while on the same day the Nenagh Classic Car Club will host their annual show in Nenagh Showgrounds in Co. Tipperary alongside the Nenagh Agricultural Show, this year featuring a special display of cars that have turned thirty since 2020 – for more details, you can contact Brendan on 085 1387114 or see www.nenaghclassiccarclub.com.

For a full list of what’s coming up, see below, or the current issue of Irish Vintage Scene, where you’ll also find a comprehensive directory of events that are being held later in the year. We wish all event organisers the best of luck for the weekend and hopefully the sun will shine down. As always, we ask you to support these events where you can, as without them the hobby would be a less vibrant place.

6th August: Breffni Vintage Club Bawnboy Vintage Day in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan; for more info, call Patrick on 087 2631580.
6th August: Irish Austin Seven Club display at the Stradbally Steam Fair, Co. Laois; for more info, call William Cuddy on 086 8325769.
6th August: West Wicklow Classic Club’s annual classic run, with car display on the streets of Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow from 11am before road run at 2pm; for details, call 089 2160673.
6th August: The 29th Inistioge Vintage Rally in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, preceded by the Slievenamon Vintage Club annual tractor run to Inistioge on Saturday the 5th; for more info, call 086 8137591.
6th & 7th August: Irish Model T Ford Club static display at Stradbally Steam Fair, Co. Laois; for info, call John Hendy on 087 2563428.
7th August: Nenagh Classic Car Club’s annual show, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, featuring a special display for all vehicles that turned 30 since 2020; for more info, call Brendan on 085 1387114 or see www. nenaghclassicarclub.com.
7th August: Wicklow Vintage Club annual display at Tinahely Agricultural Show, Fairwood Park, Greenhall, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, Y14 KR88, with registration from 11am. All classic/vintage vehicles welcome; call James on 086 1030761.
7th August: DeCourcey Vintage Club’s harvest working day at Artiteige, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork. Working combines must register prior to the event; for details, call John on 087 2667296.

Streete Vintage Show
This really popular event located in Co. Westmeath is always a really lovely day out, and is one weattended before Irish Vintage Scene even existed, so it’s one of the reasons the mag began.  A full vintage show with all types of old vehicles welcome, there are always some very special displays to enjoy. Again, it’s one of the great shows that is about much more than just vehicles – there’s a dog show, live music all day, autojumble,antiques, arts and crafts and so much more. This year’s is the 21^st anniversary event, so you won’t be disappointedwith this one.

Kevin Byrne Classic & Vintage Car Show
If you have been around vintage and classic cars for a long time, and especially have attended shows on the east coast, you will have seen or known the cars of the late Kevin Byrne from Dublin, as he never missed a show, his car collection was amazing and his knowledge was encyclopaedic. This show in his memory takes place on the grounds of St Columba’s College in Whitechurch, Dublin 16 and we have only ever heard good things about the event. We plan on taking a trip up there on Sunday if we can, as the proceeds always go to a great cause in the NCBI.

24th June: Muskerry Vintage Club’s Past Members Memorial Run to Goughane Barra, starting from the Abbey Hotel, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork. Registration from 2pm for start at 3.30pm sharp; for more info, call Lar on 087 2268752.

24th June: Cobh Classic Car Club’s Great Island Motors Cobh Classic Car Run through scenic east Cork. Charity to be announced; for details, call John on 089 6000151.

24th & 25th June: Irish Austin Seven Club trip to Rosscarbery, West Cork; for more info, call William Cuddy on 086 8325769.

24th & 25th June: Ulster Vintage Commercial Vehicle Club trip to Kelsall Steam Rally, Chester, England; for details, call Adrian on 0044 (0)78 66413023, Trevor on 0044 (0)77 11243134 or

Liam on 0044 (0)78 01771128.

24th to 26th June: Connacht Veteran & Vintage Motor Club’s 37th Annual Rally, Westport, Co. Mayo; for details, call Sean on 086 7777383 or see www.cvvmc.ie.

25th June: The Kevin Byrne Classic & Vintage Car Show at St. Columba’s College, Whitechurch, Dublin 16, D16 CH92 from 11am to 5pm (setup and display at 9.30am). Autojumble, raffles and prizes on the day; for more information, call David on 087 9324340.

25th June: Ballincollig Vintage Motor Club’s ‘Carfix’ Road Run from Ballincollig, Co. Cork; for details, call 085 2087785 or 087 7937560.

25th June: Yesteryear Motor Club classic car run from Scanlon’s Yard car park, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. All welcome; for info, call Noel on 087 9700720.

25th June: Streete Vintage Club’s 21st Anniversary Vintage Machinery & Classic Car Show at Streete Parish Park, Kilmore, Streete, Co. Westmeath, with live music. All stalls must be booked in advance on www.streeteanddistrict.ie; for more info, call Kevin on 087 1375222.

25th June: Ballyfin Vintage Club Annual Road Run, Ballyfin, Co. Laois; for details, call 087 7824481.

All the exhibitors were pleasantly surprised at how busy it was last October, and a lot of business was done at the EXPO and since then due to contacts made there.

Now the dates for the 2024 Auto Trade EXPO have just been announced. It will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, next year, at the same venue in the RDS in Dublin. It promises to be bigger and with even more trade attendees, as word has spread of the positive experience from last October at the new venue. Last October was a record attendance in the near ten years since the first Auto trade EXPO at Citywest.

Already, a line-up of exhibitors from last year along with some that didn’t make it last October have expressed interest. Space will be offered on general release from early next month.

The 2024 CV Workshop EXPO will again take place alongside the established Auto Trade EXPO in the RDS in Dublin over what will be another very busy October weekend. The RDS was a new venue for the EXPO in 2022, and it proved a success for visitors and exhibitors alike. For that reason, the same prestigious exhibition venue in Dublin will again host both the Auto Trade EXPO and CV Workshop EXPO side by side.

Last year, there were over 200 international and national exhibitors, and in excess of 9,000 trade visitors attended over the two-days. Those figures will confidently be exceeded in October 2024. Admission was free to all auto trade, transport, auto and commercial vehicle aftermarket and associate visitors last year and that will be the case again in October, 2024.

The wide-reaching advertising and promotional campaigns associated with the EXPOs reached every corner of the country (from Coleraine to Waterford, Belfast to Bantry, and Clifden to Dublin) the large attendance and quality of attendees exceeded expectations, much to the satisfaction of all exhibitors and he organisers.

For more information, or to register an interest in exhibiting at the CV Workshop EXPO 2024, please contact the EXPO Organiser and Publisher, Padraic Deane (call +353 86 2339713 or email at pdeane@autopub.ie).

You can also contact the Managing Editor and Director of Sales, John Loughran (call +353 87 2380103 or email at jloughran@autopub.ie).

I would of course have been heading for the big one the Innishannon Steam Rally in Innishannon Co Cork, for sure it’s the first of the very big steam rallies of the year.

Up in Portlaoise the Gordon Bennett Classic Car run takes place this event attracts entries from all over Ireland and lots from UK with 150 cars or more registered it promises to be a great event while you might not now be able enter the run you can for sure go to see it so check out their Facebook page where there are regular updates.  Their Facebook is Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run.

Another run on the east coast is the North East Vintage Clubs pre-1939 run that starts in Duleek Co Meath see full details on this one on the diary dates listing at end of this post.

Longford Vintage club always put on a great show and their event is taking place in Connolly’s Barracks in the centre of Longford on Sunday 4^th.

One show or in fact county I have never been to a show in is Leitrim and the South Leitrim West Cavan Vintage Tractor Club will hold a vintage show and family fun day in Ballinamore all details on below flyers.

Another show that I hear great reports on s the Yesteryear Motor club show in Dungarvan again its one that clashes with Innishannon I wish the club all the best with their show as they are doing great work for the hobby down the south east.

So no matter where you go this weekend please do send us a few photos on Facebook and we hope you all have a superb weekend.

Remember if you have an event that isn’t listed yet do so by emailing it to diarydates@irishvintagescene.ie

2nd to 5th June: The 20th Anniversary Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run, based at Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant, The Heath, Portlaoise; for more info, call 086 2625999 or 087 9885204.

3rd June: North East Vintage Car Club’s Annual Mosney Pre-War Run for pre-1939 vehicles only, starting at the Sage & Stone Restaurant, Duleek, Co. Meath, A92 R3HV; for details, call Alan on 085 8889321.

3rd June: North East Vintage Car Club’s annual Pre-War Run for pre-1939 vehicles only, meeting at the Sage & Stone, Duleek, Co. Meath, A92 R3HV at 10am; for info, call 087 7512712.

3rd June: The 3rd Connacht Truck Show, at Claremorris Athletic Track & Showgrounds, Co. Mayo; for more info, or for entry forms, see www. fleet.ie.

4th June: Longford Vintage Club Annual Show & Family Fun Day at Connolly Barracks, Longford; for more details, call 087 1167630.

4th June: Roughty Valley Vintage Club vintage fair day in Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry; for info, call 086 8928769, 086 2324813 or 087 6943021.

4th June: South Leitrim West Cavan Vintage Tractor Club vintage show and family day at St Felim’s, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, N41 XR97, in aid of the Gavin Glynn Foundation and local charities. All vintage exhibits welcome from 10am; for info, call Joe on 086 8180191 or Cian on 086 0616422.

4th June: Yesteryear Motor Club’s Static Show by the Sea, at Walton Park, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Everyone welcome; for info, call Noel on 087 9700720.

4th & 5th June: Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally at Innishannon, Co. Cork; for details, see www.ivsrally.com.

For Irish Vintage Society members and lots of other vintage enthusiasts, all roads will lead to Ballyfin in Co. Laois where the Irish Vintage Society’s All-Ireland Vintage Rally takes place. The Ballyfin Vintage Club have put in huge effort for this, and it’s sure to be a great day out for all ages.

If it’s classic cars and bikes you’re after, then you need to head south to Youghal in Co. Cork for the annual Classic Wheels Ireland show taking place at Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield, just on the outskirts of this seaside town. The show is preceded by a run on the Saturday too, and it’s always a great weekend overall.

If you’re looking for some autojumble, well then you have to head west to Glenamaddy in Co. Galway for the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Club’s Autojumble. This event takes place twice yearly and has become very popular with traders, attracting some of the best jumblers in the country .

The Duhallow Vintage Club will attend the annual Mallow Home & Garden Show at Mallow Racecourse in Co. Cork, where they will put on a big vintage display as part of this very popular event. The event runs for three days, from Friday to Sunday.

As well as these static events there are a number of road runs taking place too: see the full list below.

26th May: Ballyfin Vintage Club hosts the Irish Vintage Society All Ireland National Rally at Ballyfin, Co. Laois, R32 AD92; for details, call 086 3101822.

26th to 28th May: Duhallow Vintage Club Annual Display & Autojumble at the Mallow Home & Garden Show, Cork Racecourse, Mallow, Co. Cork, open to all motorcycles, tractors and classic cars; for more info, call John on 087 2989277, Pat on 087 2252554 or Rose on 087 2262223.

27th May: Classic Wheels Ireland road run for vintage and classic cars and bikes, from Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield, Youghal, Co. Cork to Villierstown, Cappoquin, Lismore; for details, call Johnny on 086 2009913.

27th May: Autojumble, antiques and collectors fair at Nutts Corner market, Co. Antrim. Gates open to the public at 9am; for more info, call 0044 (0)79 3638 9125.

28th May: Ballyfin Vintage Club Rally, Co. Laois, R32 AD92, hosting the 2023 Irish Vintage Society All-Ireland National Vintage Rally. Overnight parking available, pre-booking essential; for info, call 085 1184563 or 087 2317598. For autojumble enquiries, call 087 7824481.

28th May: North Galway Vintage & Heritage Club mega autojumble in Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, F45 VP66; for more info, call 087 2510622, 086 8510445 or 086 4088466 or email NorthGalwayVintage@ gmail.com.

28th May: Ballincollig Vintage Motor Club display at Mallow Home & Garden Festival, Cork Racecourse, Mallow, Co. Cork; for details, call 085 2087785 or 087 7937560.

28th May: Breffni Vintage Club’s Memorial Run, Co. Cavan, with more details to follow; for further info, call Dennis on 087 2361203 or see www. breffnivintageclub.com or their Facebook page.

28th May: Classic Wheels Ireland Show for vintage and classic cars and bikes at Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield, Youghal, Co. Cork from noon to 6pm, with free entry and rally plate; for more info, call Johnny on 086 2009913.

28th May: Donegal Vintage & Classic Car Club’s annual show at Boal’s Yard, Mountain Top, Letterkenny; for details, call Eunan Kelly on 2366924 or Hugh Haughey on 087 2578311.