A tractor run of over 220 vehicles, organised by Skibbereen Rugby Club, has raised over €12,000 for a former player, Andrew Brennan, with almost €50,000 raised overall through various fundraisers.

Mr Brennan suffered a spinal injury last year, and this week the Dublin native told how since he first arrived in West Cork, he felt like it was where his ‘heart and soul belonged’.

Andrew said he particularly appreciated the ‘emotional support...that is of the greatest value. It has given us a new energy to drive forward.’

Organiser John Hayes, a coach and lifelong player with Skibb RFC, said the day was emotional, but ‘phenomenal’.

Baltimore’s Emma Lupton with Kevin and Joseph Hourihane at Sunday’s fundraiser. (Photo: Anne Minihane)

‘The support was mind-blowing, and we want to thank all the volunteers, all the businesses who donated, and everyone who made the day such a success’.

Mr Hayes hopes that the funds raised will top the €50,000 mark soon, with the gate receipts from the club’s upcoming game against Thurles also going towards the fund.

Ricky O’Shea of Skibbereen RFC who led the convoy at the tractor run. (Photo: David Patterson)

TRACTOR RUNS

The following runs and working days are on the schedule for 2026. All matches are weather permitting.

• Bandon Tractor Run, Kilmeen Ploughing Match, on Sunday January 18th 
• Timoleague Ploughing Match, Kilnadur Tractor Run, Sunday January 25th
• De Courcey/Kilbrittain Ploughing Association Training Day, Saturday January 31st
• Newcestown Tractor Run, Sunday February 1st
• Millstreet Vintage Club Tractor Run, Dromtariff Vintage Club Tractor Run, Sunday March 1st
• Timoleague Seven Heads Tractor Run, Saturday March 21st
• Bandon Grammar & Bandon Union of Parishes Tractor Run, Sunday March 22nd
• Blackwater Valley Vintage Club Vintage Tractor Run, Sunday March 29th
• Broomhill Vintage Club Tractor Run Coachford, Sunday April 19th
• The Fish Basket Long Strand Tractor Run, DeCourcey Vintage Club Tractor Run, Monday May 4th
• Innishannon Steam and Vintage Rally, Sunday May 31st and Monday June 1st
• West Cork Vintage Ploughing & Threshing Association Vintage Harvest Day, Sunday July 12th
• Blackwater Valley Vintage Club Vintage Tractor Run Aubane, Sunday July 26th
• Ahiohill Vintage Club Harvest Working Day, Sunday August 2nd
• DeCourcey Vintage Club Harvest Working Day, Monday August 3rd
• Blackwater Valley Vintage Club Vintage Tractor Run Aubane, Sunday August 16th
• Courtbrack Vintage Society Tractor Run, Sunday September 13th
• Dromtariff Vintage Club Tractor Run, Sunday September 27th
• Caheragh Annual Threshing and Vintage Day, Millstreet Vintage Club Tractor Run, Sunday October 18th.