‘Labour of love’ for Clare causes

A WEST Clare family has  painstakingly restored a vintage Massy Ferguson to its former glory to raise money for two causes that are very close to their hearts.

John Curtin, 12, who has a mild form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has attended the ASD unit at St Flannan’s National School for almost eight years and has also received therapy from the Clare Crusaders clinic in Barefield.
According to his mother, Elizabeth, John has made great progress since he started attending St Flannan’s, where he also received some of his education in mainstream classes. The therapies in the school include music, art, play and swimming, including a July summer camp.
Elizabeth also acknowledges the much-needed speech therapy and occupational therapy provided by Clare Crusaders over the years.
She explained this family project is their way of expressing gratitude to the two facilities. Having attended the Kilmaley Vintage Rally during the May Bank Holiday weekend, the Curtins have decided to take their 1960 Massy Ferguson 35 vintage tractor on a tour of all the upcoming festivals, including the Salty Faces event in Spanish Point next Sunday, where they hope to sell lines before the fundraiser on October 31.
John’s brother, Jamie, who previously worked in Whelan’s, Barefield, has spent about 30 days over the last six months restoring the tractor, including some input from two other local mechanics.
Describing the project as a “labour of love”, Jamie estimates it cost €3,000 to source the parts for the tractor.
Set in Spanish Point, the Salty Faces 10km on Sunday takes in coastal scenery, a lively village atmosphere and a final kilometre along the beach to the awaiting crowd at the Armada Hotel. Proceeds will be donated to a number of causes, including Miltown GAA Club, Clare Crusaders and St Joseph’s Secondary School.