A total of 16 Ferguson tractors with an average age of 75 years will take part in the Mizen to Malin driving challenge next week.
Starting at Mizen Head in Co. Cork on Wednesday 6 May, then moving to Malin Head in Co. Donegal, arriving on Tuesday 12 May.
The ride will demonstrate the durability of the Ferguson 20 tractor that was first introduced from 1946 to 1956, according to Mick Ford, coordinator of the Ferguson Heritage Collection.
Ford has his own collection of Fergusons on display in Grenagh between Mallow and Cork.
He said: “More than half a million of these little gray cars were produced, which is a testament to the engineering genius of County Down-born Harry Ferguson.”
Ferguson Memorial Committee
Recently, a small group of enthusiasts, known as the Ferguson Memorial Committee, secured the original house in which Harry Ferguson was born and raised.
This will be developed into a museum showcasing all of Harry Ferguson’s achievements, from the three-point linkage to the first four-wheel drive car with ABS brakes.
“Having something in his birthplace is very exciting,” Ford said.
“Funds raised from this event will be shared with the Irish Cancer Society and Museum Fund.”
The Ferguson tractor ride – which includes one woman, Mary Angela Downs – covers a distance of approximately 600 kilometres.
The path is as follows:
- Wednesday 6 May: Mizen heads to Macroom;
- Thursday 7 May: Macroom to Knockaderry, Co. Limerick;
- Friday 8 May: Knockaderry to Portumna, Co. Galway;
- Saturday 9 May: Portumna to Keenagh, Co. Longford;
- Sunday 10 May: Keenagh to Sligo Town, Co. Sligo;
- Monday 11 May: Sligo to Ballybofey, Co. Donegal;
- Tuesday 12 May: Ballybofey to Malin Head.
There will be collection points along the route at tractor fuel stations and overnight stops, where people can donate to the Irish Cancer Society and the Ferguson Museum.
This is the second Mizen to Malin Challenge, with the first occurring in May 2001.
The event saw 15 Ferguson tractors take part, some of them doing it again after 25 years.
