Mountmellick makes history at magical launch
Michael and Jack O'Gorman having fun at the Tug of War fundraiser organised by Mountmellick Macra. Photo: Denis Byrne
HISTORY was made on a memorable night in Mountmellick, when an amazing paralympian became the first amputee to pull a Tug of War team in Ireland.
Delighted crowds cheered as Shane McLoughlin, who lost his leg in a farm accident, joined forces with his hardy Taughmaconnell team to help launch the Mountmellick Macra Light Up Truck and Tractor Run.
The atmosphere was electric in O’Connell Square on Saturday 15 November, at the launch of the annual run in aid of suicide awareness charity SOSAD (Save Our Sons and Daughters).
The famous run will roll out on Saturday 13 December, when a huge parade of trucks and tractors decorated in glittering festive lights will go on tour around Mountmellick and neighbouring towns and villages.
Mountmellick Macra was honoured to welcome Shane for the big launch fundraiser, saying that he is living proof that anything is possible when courage meets determination, so that barriers can be broken and dreams achieved.
Despite losing his left leg in a farm accident in 2001, the Monaghan man went on to become a paralympian and five-time world record holder for pulling heavy trucks. Now he has made history again, with his unforgettable performance in ‘the little town with the big heart’.
Thanking everyone who helped make the launch such a success, Mountmellick Macra said on social media that it was heart warming to see so many families and supporters cheering on the Tug of War teams.
The club committee particularly thanked O’Connell Square residents for their support and hospitality; Michael Dowling and The Hollow Bar for hosting the weigh in and post-event entertainment; gardaí and Laois Co Council; Martin Egan from Tug of War Ireland; Fergal Conroy for the sound system; Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick for his brilliant work as MC and Daniel Michael McEvoy for spearheading the event.
They also thanked the Tug of War teams who were the stars of the show, representing Rosenallis, Cadamstown, Killoughey, The Ridges, Taughmaconnell and Mountmellick The winning teams were Killoughey, Cadamstown and Rosenallis, while Shane’s Taughmaconnell won the open category.
A remarkable €20,560 was raised for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Laois branch at the 2024 run and hopes are high that this year’s run will collect an even higher figure for a vital cause.
