Callen May 2018
The early Summer Run of the Irish Model T Ford Club took place on Sunday 13th May 2018. This year, for the first time, it was in a new venue – Callan, Co Killkenny where our rally base was the home of Una and Jerry.
Around 20 cars gathered at the home of Una and Jerry Crowley for the customary morning coffee before the run began.
It was a beautiful morning as we set off to drive through the leafy roads in this unfamiliar county, passing through Kells and Stoneyford on our way to our first stop, the magnificent estate of Mount Juliet. This former stately home is now a hotel and the biggest working estate in the country after the Phoenix Park. It is, of course also a world renowned Championship Golf Course.
We heard a most interesting history of this beautiful house from Des McGrath and could have listened to a lot more stories if we had more time, but we had to be on our way, as lunch awaited in nearby Kilkenny. We drove through Thomastown and Bennettsbridge and we were delighted to find, upon reaching Kilkenny city,we had ample parking arranged for us beside historic Kilkenny Castle.
The city itself was bustling with people, tourists and locals alike who were more than amazed to see our beautiful Ts drive through and park up. Cameras and iPhones were all around us as we parked up in the sunshine.
A delicious lunch was provided for us in the Club House Hotel after which our Hon Secretary presented our hosts Una and Jerry with a handcrafted beech wooden bowl and thanked all our members who had travelled from around the country to take part in the run.
After a pleasant sojourn in this lovely city, it was time to crank up the cars and head back to Callan for loading up and heading for home.
A huge thanks to Una and Jerry for arranging a wonderful day with exceptional weather. A special word of thanks to our Garda Escorts, who ensured all travelled safely and stayed on the correct route. We look forward to another run in this beautiful part of Ireland in the not too distant future.
Text by Valerie Cuddy.
About Author
