Ballinadee October 2014

Welcome to Ballinadee for our Autumn Run 2014. The annual Ballinadee Model T run took place on Sunday 5th October 2014.

As is our custom we gathered in the home of John and Mary O’Neill for tea, coffee and Mary’s delicious scones before heading off on our run. The Ryan family from Ballyhea brought out their 1924 Model T Touring car on its maiden trip.

The weather did not look very promising but we T people are hardy souls and we cranked up our cars and set off for our first stop at the famous Grotto at Ballinspittle.

On arrival we parked up and were greeted by members of the Grotto committee.  Chairman of the committee, Tadhg  O’Donovan gave us a brief history  including the events in the mid 1980’s when the “moving statue” caused thousands of people to visit this very lovely shrine of Our Lady, situated just outside the village.

Local woman, Patricia Bohan then recited a decade of the Rosary with all present and sang the beautiful hymn “Hail Queen of Heaven”

We resumed our run through Balinspittle itself and on to Garrettstown Beach where surfers were enjoying the spectacular waves crashing on the shore. Our next stop was at Kilmore Mill.

This extraordinary project was taken on by Raymond White in 1997 and won an award from the Gulbenkian Foundation. This award was for the restoration of ancient buildings and Raymond was nominated by the Cork Civic Trust in appreciation of his painstaking work in bringing back an old mill on his property to most original condition.

It is a fascinating place both in structure and history. For this man it is evident it has been, and still is, a labour of love. Well done, Raymond.

A few spots of rain had begun to fall by now and we resumed our run to the Blue Horizon back in Garretstown for lunch.We were then entertained into the afternoon by numerous talented artistes including Seanie Collins, Teresa O’Neill and tenor Dan Twomey.

Of course our fellow T members were called on to perform and did not disappoint. These included our hosts John and Mary O’Neill, Joan Rigney, Tim Crowley and several others too numerous to mention.

Almost one year old, Daragh was introduced to members of The Irish Model T Ford Club by proud grandparents John and Mary O’Neill who are embarking on a life changing experience. Congratulations and best wishes from us all.

We reluctantly took our leave so as to get back to Ballinadee and load up as the rain had set in and the light was diminishing.

Once again, a great day in our T’s. Our thanks to all involved, especially John and Mary O’Neill who always put great effort into this event. Thanks to all at Blue Horizon for a delicious lunch, the stewards along the way and the all important Tailend Charlie, Bill Chambers.

Look forward to next one!

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