Caitlín Mc Gonigle. Picture: That's Farming.ie“He will guide me along the way and I hope to make him proud.”
A fifth year student at Carndonagh Community School Co. Donegal is gearing up to take part in the upcoming Dublin2Mayo Charity Tractor Run in memory of her late grandfather.
Seventeen-year-old Caitlín Mc Gonigle and the late Paddy Duffy had planned on tackling this year's tractor run together, something they had done many times before, when unfortunately Paddy passed away unexpectedly towards the end of November.
Paddy had a history of using his passion for tractors to raise money.
In September 2018 he raised €12,000 for two charities aged 73, when he drove a 1961 Massey Ferguson 35x from Mizen Head to Malin Head, in memory of his wife who died from a heart condition.
Speaking to That's Farming.ie Caitlín said: “We had planned on doing this run together with two tractors but, unfortunately, Granda had a very sudden passing at the end of November 2018.”
Caitlín Mc Gonigle. Picture: That's Farming.ieFittingly, the Co. Donegal native will drive one of her late grandfather’s tractors - a 1961 Massey Ferguson 35x - as part of this year’s 280km run, supported by her father.
“I took particular interest in Granda’s Massey Ferguson 35x which he bought and restored; it is mine following his passing,” Caitlín said.
Caítlin went on to explain what began her passion for farm machinery: “Granda Paddy and I took part in many tractor runs together; it was something I could share with him that no one could take away from us.” She added.
“I am told I am the first girl to take part in this run. I am counting down the days to the event."
“I am nervous as it’s a long run and it will be emotional without Granda, but he will guide me along the way and I hope to make him proud.” The 17-year-old concluded.
Sponsorship cards to support Caitlín’s journey, are available throughout Donegal and the Midlands.
