New Years Day Run 2019

Breffni Vintage Club would like to wish all their members and friends a very happy and healthy new year and safe motoring throughout the year.

The club had their first run of the year on the first day of the year, how much more efficient than that can you get!

With ideal weather conditions a larger than usual group of motor bikes and cars assembled at Trisha’s Mini Market in Milltown Co. Cavan, where everyone was treated to scones and tea or coffee all under the watchful eye of Denis Wright. It was great to see Denis back in full flight after his recent surgery.

At the appointed hour of twelve midday Peter Reilly led the convoy off to Killeshandra, Crossdoney and Ballinagh before returning to Cavan town for more refreshments.

The club is indebted to Trisha’s mini market and Denis Wright for their efforts on our behalf.

This outing was originally for motorbikes but over the years has morphed into a very popular outing open to all vehicles. Congratulations to everybody involved.

Weekend Away 2018

This year the Weekend away was located in Claremorris Co Mayo. After last years tremendous visit to Co. Donegal nobody expected it to be surpassed but no need to worry, we were in for a treat beyond our wildest dreams. The assembly point was the Meadow View car park in Cavan Town. Fourteen cars assembled there plus a motorbike to await our vice chair Peter Lynch who duly arrived with flashing amber lights on the roof of his Audi. This proved to be a master stroke as we all could easily spot him at all the turns, towns & crossroad.

Our first stop was for lunch in Roscommon town, then well fed it was onto Claremorris and the Mc Williams hotel. We even had reserved parking, as we were later to discover Peter had left nothing to chance and had arranged every last detail. The hotel was alive with music. We were greeted by a pianist playing tunes on a grand piano, well maybe that was not for the Breffni Brigade but we claimed it anyway. Food and dancing seemed to be the order of the evening’s enjoyment.

Next morning saw us head for Cong. At Lisloughrey pier we boarded the cruise boat “Isle of Innishfree” for a trip on Lough Corrib to Inchagoill  Island with it’s remains of the first Irish Christian church and the Romanesque (late 12th century) stone church. The nearby pillar maybe the oldest (6th century) Irish inscription in Roman letters in Ireland & in Europe. As we cruised along Ashford castle came into view. Those of us who were at Farmleigh House a few weeks ago, had a sense of De Ja Vieu because all this area was once the holiday home for the Guinness family. On the cruise we were entertained by an octogenarian who played the accordion, sang and told yarns. Not to be outdone Norman Whyte gave a beautiful renditioning of the “Fields of Athenry.”

Then a leisurely drive to Claremorris for a group meal where it was revealed that Catherine & Peter Lynch were celebrating their wedding anniversary and of course we had to toast the happy couple. Not to be outdone our treasurer Patrick Mc Govern was also celebrating a significant birthday and lo and behold a beautifully decorated birthday cake adorned with a master builder was produced, so more celebrations followed and then more music and entertainment.

On Sunday we traveled to Knock for a short visit to find the place thronged. I didn’t think there were so many coaches in the country. Then on the road home with a stop at the “Old Stone House” in Ballinlough which has Cavan connections, of course we were well looked after.

A fabulous weekend with great credit due to Peter Lynch for reorganizing the the event with such care and attention to detail that made all the more relaxed and enjoyable.

Breffni Vintage Club Outing – 16th September 2018

On Sunday 16th September the club held a coach outing to Dublin, visiting Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park. Farmleigh house was once the home of the Guinness family but is now owned by the state and is used among other things as a residence for visiting heads of state. In recent times Queen Elizabeth, the Japanese Emperor and the Canadian premier have all stayed there.

The group enjoyed a conducted tour of the house and its contents and the history of its famous residents was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The group then walked around the gardens in beautiful Autumn sunshine before heading for the vintage show in Swords.

Doreen and Victor Bryson enjoying the gardens at Farmleigh House

The coach returned loaded down with much booty from the auto jumble. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the organisation but special thanks is due to Denis Wright and Richard Mee who undertook the bulk of the organising.