A West Clare family have 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 as well as the ASD unit.
The therapies in the school include music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, swimming therapy and swimming. The July programme summer camp provides four weeks of trips, little adventures, swimming and arts and crafts
She also really appreciates the much needed speech therapy and occupational therapy provided by Clare Crusaders over the years.
She explained this family project was their way of expressing their gratitude to the two facilities.
Conscious that both facilities rely a great deal on fund raising, the Curtins have decided to donate their 1960 Massy Ferguson 35 vintage tractor for a raffle.
Having attended the Kilmaley Vintage Rally during the May Bank Holiday weekend, the family have decided to take their tractor on a tour of all the forthcoming festival including the Salty Faces event in Spanish Point next Sunday where they will sell rally lines before the draw on October 31 next.
John’s brother, Jamie, who previously worked in Whelan’s, Barefield, has spent about 30 days over the last six months restoring the tractor very close to its original state.
Using the knowledge and experience he gained from completing the Agricultural Machinery course at the Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, the mechanic redid the engine, gear box, checked the hydralic pressure, new mudguard, bonnet, grill, front axle, breaks and steering.
The head of the engine was given to one local mechanic who skinned it while another local mechanic worked on the pistons and liners before Jamie returned them to the tractor and sprayed them.
While Jamie has restored a number of other Massy Fergusons, this is the first one he has completed for charity.
Describing the project as a “labour of love”, Jamie estimates it cost about €3,000 to source all the parts for the tractor.
Clare Autism Network 