Autumn Run September 2019
The Autumn Run of the Club took place on Sunday 15th September 2019 when we all gathered at the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise. We were delighted to welcome Vincent and Aileen and two small boys to our club. We look forward to seeing them out and about when they get going in their newly acquired Touring Car.
The customary teas and coffees were enjoyed within the plaza complex at the Maldron. We were pleased to see that Applegreen Fuel Company opened a depot alongside the facilities, which is where many of us fuelled up.
Outside meanwhile, members got their cars ready for the misty conditions. What a change over the last 25 hours where Ireland basked in glorious sunshine.
Our host Sean McEvoy gave the Drivers Briefing. The weather did not look promising for the day ahead as a heavy mist had descended quite quickly. It was decided to amend the route and not go to the Slieve Bloom mountain drive and instead go directly to the County Arms Hotel in Birr for lunch. Maybe next year!
We duly arrived in Birr for lunch. Our President welcomed new member Liam O’Connor who was on his first outing in his Model T Ford, beautifully restored and in pristine condition.
After a most enjoyable meal, we headed to the historic Birr Castle. Because of technical difficulties and the rendering of assistance to those in need not all of us reached Birr Castle, simply because we overran on time; the damp conditions did not help.
The Castle and Gardens are well worth a visit. The Great Telescope, which was once the largest in the world was created by the 3rd Earl of Rosse in the 1840’s.
The Castle’s stunning gardens contain the world’s tallest box hedges and an impressive collection of plants from all over the world.
We got back to our cars and made the return journey to Portlaoise where we loaded our T’s for home.
Over 15 cars attended the run and we all agreed it was a lovely run despite the weather. Our thanks as always to Sean McEvoy for yet another successful day.
The Autumn Run usually signals the end of our touring for the year. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every one and look forward to another happy and safe season in 2020.
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