West Cork June 2017
The annual Model T West Cork run took place this year on Sunday 18th June. We gathered for morning refreshments with Bob and Catherine Clarke at Bandon Motors on the road to Clonakilty.
Before setting off Bob gathered his people around him and gave his driver’s briefing. It can be said without fear of contradiction that the sun was beaming down from a cloudless sky. Mr Clarke knows how to arrange the weather and we are in his debt!! What could be more pleasant than a drive in a Model T around beautiful West Cork in glorious sunshine.
Almost 20 cars, shining the sun, with gleaming brass took to the roads for the much anticipated run. Our route took us on quiet rural roads as we made our way towards Kilbrittain and on to Timoleague.
There was a gentle breeze to cool us as we drove along the coast where the blue water sparkled in the sunshine. It was a day to be outdoors and all along the way there were cyclists, walkers with dogs and gardeners tending their plants and cutting lawns. Summer had arrived and we were enjoying it.
We drove on to Courtmacsherry where we had a short stop. As usual, there were people with cameras and phones taking photographs of our cars. The Model T is always the centre of attention wherever we stop. Off we went again, climbing out of Courtmacsherry and along that lovely road to Clonakilty, taking in the coastal views.
Our lunch stop was Fernhill House Hotel which is perched on a hill with a large sloping garden. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was kindly sponsored by Henry Ford and Son Limited in honour of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Company in Cork.
We were delighted to welcome Ciaran McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland and his family as they joined us for the lunch. To commemorate the occasion honorary member Mr. Matthew Byrne presented Ciaran with a hand turned Irish yew bowl, especially commissioned for him.
For this year our Club commissioned the working of a traditional Irish Platter made from home grown Irish beech an dour honorary treasurer and honorary member Mr. Timothy Keane presented the platter to Robert Clarke as a mark of appreciation from all of us in attendance.
Afterwards, there was an option to take a walk around the gardens and admire the many features including fountains and Japanese style bridges interspersed with imaginative planting. We came away with plenty of ideas to try out in our own spaces at home.
Reluctantly we returned to our cars and headed back towards Bandon. But there was one more stop to make. We had to have the annual photograph at the stainless steel Model T at Ballinascarthy and enjoy an ice cream as well! There again we had lots of admirers and more photos were taken.
We finally got on the road again and drove back to our hosts in Bandon Motors, where tea, sandwiches and cakes got us ready for our homeward journeys. After all, it can never be said that a traveller leaves West Cork hungry. Bob and Catherine would always provide sustenance for the happy traveller.
Our thanks to everyone who made this wonderful day so enjoyable. Special thanks to the marshals who made sure nobody got lost by guiding us at junctions. Everything ran smoothly, thanks to the time and planning leading up to the day itself.
We thank Bob, Catherine and their family for a hugely successful event and look forward to the next time.
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