More than €250,000 raised: Ballygar Truckin’ keeps on giving

13 years after the initiative began, the community fundraising event continues to make a difference

What began in 2013 has grown into an important annual fundraising tradition, with Ballygar Truckin’ now having raised more than €250,000 for charitable causes.

It is a remarkable milestone for an initiative built around an appreciation of trucks, tractors and the strong community ties that bring people together in Ballygar.

Over the years, the event has attracted the support of drivers, local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and families, all contributing to an occasion which combines entertainment with a commitment to helping others.

While the spectacle of the annual Truck & Tractor Run remains central to its appeal, the charitable purpose behind the event has always been an equally important part of its identity. The organising committee is continuing that tradition in 2026, with a programme designed to appeal to people of all ages and interests.

This year, funds will support AsIAm nationally and BNT Le Chéile locally, with the committee placing a particular emphasis on initiatives which can make everyday life more inclusive and accessible for Autistic people.

BNT Le Chéile supports the communities of Ballygar, Newbridge and Toghergar, and the money raised for the organisation through this year’s event will be ringfenced for local initiatives supporting Autistic people. AsIAm, meanwhile, works at national level to support Autistic people and their families through information, advocacy, education and community programmes.

The people behind the fundraising

Events such as Ballygar Truckin’ depend on far more than the activities which visitors see over the course of the weekend.

Behind the scenes, committees, volunteers and supporters help bring together the different elements of the programme, from fundraising and sponsorship to the many practical arrangements required to stage a community event.

Local businesses and sponsors also make an important contribution, helping to ensure that the annual weekend can continue to generate support for charitable causes. The committee has expressed its appreciation to all those who have contributed to Ballygar Truckin’ over the years.

Chairperson Michael John Slyman said the continued success of the initiative reflects its ability to bring people together for a worthwhile purpose.

“Ballygar Truckin’ has always been about bringing people together, having a great weekend and doing something worthwhile at the same time.”

With more than a quarter of a million euro already raised since its establishment, the event has created a lasting charitable legacy.

And as another October Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the focus is firmly on building upon that success.

The hope is that the enthusiasm of drivers, volunteers, local businesses and supporters will once again translate into valuable assistance for the organisations chosen to benefit. For a community event which began in 2013, Ballygar Truckin’ continues to demonstrate the difference that collective effort can make.