5 days ago
Large turnout for dawn Wexford tractor run raising mental health awareness
The tractor run was organised by farmer Patrick Hipwell and was created in inspiration of the Darkness into Light walk which raises funds for Pieta House, a charity supporting those affected by suicide and self-harm.
At 4.30 a.m. 100 tractors and drivers set off for their route across the nine stones before returning to the community centre for early morning refreshments and a chat.
Speaking on why he chose this specific route, he said that he believed it demonstrated a message he was trying to convey.
"Since we had to go up Mount Leinster, the message is about giving it time and allowing yourself to get over the humps in life. Life will move again.'
He added that it was great to see such a great show of community from within and outside the county.
"We had a full house even at 3.30 a.m. and there were drivers from Carlow and Kilkenny who saw the event on social media and decided to join. It was very successful. It was unreal to also have around 30 – 40 young people as well.'
Also in attendance was MEP for the South constituency Cynthia Ní Mhurchu, Enniscorthy councillor Pat Kehoe, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and IFA deputy president Alice Doyle.
Over €2,300 was raised and was shared between Slaney Search and Rescue, Ballindaggin Community Development Group, Caim Community Development Group, Kiltealy Men and Women's Shed, Awareness Head to Toe, and Shine's green ribbon.
Awareness Head to Toe is a voluntary organisation formed to promote mental health across rural farming communities while Shine's green ribbon campaign is the national stigma reduction programme for Ireland.
"People are already talking about doing it next year. It is amazing what we can achieve when the community works together,' he said.
