Sum of €16,000 raised from Offaly's popular Faile Vintage Run

Faile vintage club's annual vintage run in Daingean in March raised an impressive sum of €16,000 for two local causes.

This years beneficiaries - Cappagh NS and Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services - were in attendance on Sunday, May 3, to each receive €8,000 cheques from this year's run.

Kris O’Connor, principal of Cappagh NS, in Croghan, Tullamore, expressed sincere gratitude for such a significant donation from Fáile Vintage.

"The money will be put towards a brand-new sensory area which will benefit the children in our new autism class as well as the children in our mainstream classes," he said.

"On behalf of the school and board of management, I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone involved."

Christina Popanton of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service was also sincerely grateful to have received a generous donation of €8,000 from the tractor run.

She said this vital funding will go directly towards supporting families affected by domestic abuse, enabling access to trauma-informed recovery supports for both adults and children.

These services play a crucial role in helping individuals rebuild their sense of safety, process their experiences, and begin to heal from the lasting impact of abuse.

"Community initiatives like this not only raise essential funds but also send a powerful message of solidarity that those impacted by domestic abuse are not alone, and that their community stands firmly beside them on their journey to recovery," she said.

Since it was set up in 2009, Faile Vintage Club has raised well over €200,000 for local charities through its popular annual vintage run in Daingean.