Mosney Pre War Run June 2022

Out of the blue, we received a call from the organisers of the North East Vintage Car Club to see if we could rally support for their Mosney pre war event on Sunday 19th June inst.  What made the call interesting and something that needed action is the view promulgated by some that the classic cars are gaining popularity to the detriment of early 20th century transport. 

Be that as it may, we duly circulated our body of members.  Notice was short and although the show season has surely got underway, there was a decent turnout for the second annual pre war run where numbers more than doubled up from last year.  As we would expect, the turnout of about ten Ts out of a 33 roll call, was well received by many admirers, wherever we went, whether on static display, on the open road or at the interim stopping point. 

Our rally base was at the Sage and Stone Restaurant on the R150 and a very short distance from DULEEK.  Lovely rally base with plenty of space for cars, trailers and people with second to none facilities, seated dining space and plenty of room to enjoy the sunshine and catch up with old friends. The Boyne Valley, Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a place steeped in history.

Combined with its lush green landscape and magnificent waterways, fantastic food and drink, outdoor adventures and cultural gems, this wealth of heritage makes it a really special destination. Encompassing Co Meath and South Co Louth, the Boyne Valley is  a unique holiday destination with an abundance of things to do and lots of fun family activities for the best holiday you could imagine.

Our route of about 35 miles took us from our base through Royal Meath, the beautiful Boyne Valley, the site of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne to the Newgrange Visitors Centre.   Having parked up, we enjoyed the company of each other and the many day trippers and visitors to the centre. 

There was ample time to inspect the offerings of the centre and take in the historical information so well laid out in text, pictures and television.  Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. The Visitor Centre exhibition is a fully interactive visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Brú na Bóinne.

Picnic time at 1:00 pm saw us all delve into picnic baskets with hot teas and freshly made sandwiches and buns galore, a very pleasant social occasion, one to be encouraged as far as is practicable.

We duly made our way back to our run base on the outskirts of Duleek, having been asked to park up our cars for the many Sunday strollers to come and inspect and enjoy a glimpse of pre war motoring. The flag pole was uncovered having been in hiding because of COVID-19 and the new flag was hoisted, making the presence of the Model Ts dominating the skyline. 

Our host club presented a small gift to John Daly and Sarah for the best vintage dressed couple on the run.  It was well deserved.  Best car in show was awarded to John Hendy for his presentation of his 1909 T all brasses up to the nines.  By comparison with the rest of the fleet, one could remark that it was a stunner. 

As a token of our appreciation for an excellent car run aimed at keeping a focus on the promotion of the early 20th century cars that was well run and safely conducted, we presented Gerry Shurin with an ash hand turned bowl.  We acknowledge the effort of Richard Duffy and maybe if we are invited next year we will do something about a bowl for him as well. 

We were able to communicate and greet with Senator Sharon Keohane from East Meath who no doubt enjoyed the occasion and acknowledged the time, effort and enjoyment the car owners and families get out of tinkering and driving their old crocks.

After fresh refreshments and hot teas it was time to bid farewell to old friends and new acquaintances.  We wish the club every success for the future.

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