Tractor run held in memory of popular Rock GAA man

ROCK Community Association organised a tractor run with a difference at the weekend, when more than 160 of the agricultural vehicles were joined by 80 junior drivers using pedal power to raise money for a mental health charity.

The event was held in memory of much-loved Rock man James McAuley, who passed away just over a year ago. The 29-year-old had played as a goalkeeper for the Rock St Patrick’s GAA Club.

All the money raised went to ‘All Lives Are Precious’ (ALPS), a mental health charity based in Downpatrick.

There was a large turnout of spectators for the tractor run, who also enjoyed the host of vintage cars that were on display.

One of the highlights of the day was the junior tractor run, which saw 80 kids turn out in pedal tractors to have their own mini event. Instead of the usual route, it took place at the local GAA club and saw kids navigate a route around a walking track.

Both groups met at the end of the junior run when the 80 junior drivers were met with the large convoy of tractors beeping their horns and cheering.

Chairman of the Rock Community Association, Gabriel Green, who organised the event, said it was a great day and he hoped the local community enjoyed it.

He told the Dungannon Herald, “It was a great day out. We had over 160 tractors on display and 20 vintage cars. We were really pleased with the number of spectators that came along and the number of tractors that took part. We also had a mini tractor run with 80 pedal tractors and I think the kids loved it.

“All Lives Are Precious is a brilliant charity and we just wanted to raise a bit of money for a charity that has helped families locally and this charity has certainly done that.”

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