Autumn Run: 13th October 2024
The atmosphere was one of happy domesticity.
A truly wonderful autumn run was held in the second week of October while the green foliage was still on the trees and the brown freshly leaves were strewn along the roadway making for a colourful setting for us all to embrace.
Vincent lured us to his homestead with the promise of a light breakfast.
Your scribe’s father in law was known to have said one “cannot beat a woman with a heavy hand”. Irene Minish was our celebratory chef for the occasion, serving up, loads of freshly cooked Irish breakfast, hot and ready, for her appreciative audience. Plenty of eggs of course.
Following Vincent’s drivers’ briefing, a rally brochure was circulated to all navigators.
A puncture was soon sorted by the replacement of a tube and good fill up of air with a compressor to hand.
Irish Model T Ford Club Autumn Run; Sunday 13th October 2024
Weather conditions were most favourable, very dry, bright skies and moderate winds.
Our instructions were to proceed to town and follow the route to Clones, passing through Smithborough. Our first stop was Canal Stores.
Extract from web site: The Ulster Canal Stores Clones is a beautifully restored Visitor Centre, situated on the banks of the Ulster Canal. Built c.1839, within its gorgeous cut limestone walls you will receive a warm traditional Irish welcome. With onsite Bistro, meeting facilities and small gift shop, we offer full disabled access over two floors. Large bus groups and school tours are welcome by arrangement, and we are happy to arrange bespoke historical tours of the area. Our Museum is free to visit and shares the social history of Clones, and how the craft of Clones Lace became an integral part of the community following the Great Hunger in the 1850’s.
We were welcomed to Clones by Irene Dunwooty who pointed us in the direction of the Coffee Hut operated by sisters Emma and Sarah; and what a good job they did for us with beautiful smiles.
Hugh Tunny, centre manger took us on a tour of the entire property with special attention to the Clones Lace Exhibits, especially the Clones Knot. At one time, 1,500 earned their livelihood from Lacemaking of an Italian pattern.
On our entrance and exit, Sue kindly rattled the keyboard of the lonesome piano. Next time we try to arrange a duet.
The canal is now restored between Clonfad and Clones and open for navigation, along with an accompanying major canal basin marina and amenity area in Clones – marking a major milestone for this landmark cross-border restoration project.
Restoration of the canal will provide communities right across the rural border region with a new amenity to enjoy, as well as an important new tourism destination with opportunities for new businesses to open and existing businesses to expand.
It safeguards an integral part of our historic waterways’ heritage in a managed, inclusive and sustainable way.
The restoration project has been a key priority for rural communities and businesses in Monaghan and surrounding areas for many years, and the opening of the new phase – Stage 2, will significantly boost connections between both communities and canal systems north and south.
Everyone looks forward to the implementation of Stage 3- maybe within the next five years.
Matthew was on hand with his video gadgets. He plans to produce another video for publication our website. His excellence at last year’s race circuit came to the fore.
Interesting to note, nothing stays the same. In 1841 the canals were the main infrastructure for moving goods. William Dorgan had 50 barges and was able to service as far away as Liverpool.
The introduction of the railway system put paid to the canals that suffered enormously by 1929. A paddle boat was introduced but by 1931 the enterprise floundered.
The motorways as we know them today brought a slow death to the rural railway corridors just leaving the primary arteries open.
We departed from Clones, crisscrossing a multitude of local area roads which were a true delight. Practically traffic free, we had the country side of County Monaghan to ourselves.
All Ts performed as they should giving drivers and passengers the enjoyment they seek.
On arrival back at base, Irene had a choice of lasange or Irish stew, both piping hot and ready for the takers. No shortage of grub; no complaints from the happy patrons.
A young entrepreneur surfaced at the appropriate moment with ice cream tubs. Freddie Green has commenced in business and we were sampling his home-made produce. Truly delicious. For a 17-year-old, it was gold standard.
Big brother Harry when pressed disclosed the flavour was salted caramel. More happy domesticity, since the boys are cousins of our host.
Our President at the appropriate moment called us all to order.
He thanked our motor cycle duo Leron and Mark for providing us with traffic management at the busy junctions.
He complimented Irene Minish for her culinary skills.
Jack Minish was complimented for his tail end Charlie duties.
Now that our website has been upgraded by Michael Beeney to include videos linked in with YouTube, he looked forward to viewing Matthew’s work presently. More happy domesticity.
The turn out of 16 Ts for late in the year is, he said, testament to the love that T owners have for their cars, availing of every opportunity to get out and about in quest for enjoyment.
In summing up, a word of thanks and praise to Vincent for organising the Autumn Run in County Monaghan, providing us with a day’s entertainment and of course feeding us all so well. President Brady presented Vincent with a hand turned bowl in appreciation of his endeavours.
Worth repeating, Vincent’s brown bread is delicious! We will return.
We brought the proceedings to a timely end with everyone happy and content. This is our third visit to County Monaghan under the baton of Vincent, friends and family. We are all pleased and thankful.
