Brass Brigade August 2018
Not a club event but one supported by many members of The Irish Model T Club to the extent that out of a roll call of 50 brass cars, 24 were from our membership. Perhaps 50% represents that number of cars in the early part of the 20th Century that were of Ford manufacture
Our rally base was the Pembroke Hotel in the marble city Kilkenny. Weather was glorious on Saturday where, by invitation, a goodly number of participants displayed their brass cars cheek by jowl with members of Kilkenny Motor Club who were having their annual static show at Kilkenny Castle grounds. The foot fall of visitors was huge, mainly tourists and car enthusiasts who on all accounts appreciated the spectacle of old and not so old forms of transport.
John Ryan and his staff at Pembroke Hotel facilitated us and made us feel welcome. Car parking at the rear of the Hotel was very convenient. So too was the facility at St. Kieran’s College for trucks and trailers, thanks to Rev. Dr. Dermot Ryan, President.
Following registration, all members were invited to a drinks reception and dinner afterwards in the Hotel. Clive Evans, President IVVCC welcomed everyone and set out the plan for the following day, where the focal point was a visit to Woodstock Gardens.
Sunday morning proved problematic weather wise; it has rained extensively overnight and the forecast was good enough from 10.00am onwards.
At or about that time we all set off for our destination travelling through most beautiful scenery in County Kilkenny, passing through the villages of Gowran and Dungarvan, entering Thomastown and onward to Inistiogue. Turning right, we were presented with a steep hill of almost one mile, one that would raise eyebrows for old car drivers; nonetheless with low gear and moderate rpm, all made it to Woodstock House.
A leisurely walk around the magnificent gardens was truly pleasurable. Morning tea was served in the Woodstock House Conservatory whilst the sun was shining making the experience memorable.
Prior to departure we foregathered for chatting and allowing many day trippers to view and admire a select assortment of really old crocks.
We left for our return trip to our rally base, all arrive safely at 3:00 pm where we participated in a carvery lunch. There was a buzz of conversation throughout meaning that old friends and new had a chance to communicate and share the tales of the day. Club President Clive Evan thanked everyone for coming along with beautiful turned our cars and making the journey to and fro without incident. He paid tribute to Declan Grogan – chief organiser and clerk of the course – for his valued input in making the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Given that the membership of The Irish Model T Ford Club members contributed extensively as participators, on their behalf club secretary William Cuddy presented Declan Grogan with a hand turned 10 inch beech bowl especially crafted for the occasion, as a token of our appreciation.
Photographs were taken without preference or favour of people and vehicles over the week end and represent to the eye of the photographer what was on offer. Every picture tells a story; every picture is worth a thousand words; trusting you will agree that we all had a good time and look forward to returning to the 2019 Brass Brigade whenever and wherever.
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