Visitors enjoy unique experience at Connacht Truck Show 2023
DESCRIBED as a great day out for all the family, the third Connacht Truck Show 2023, held at Claremorris athletics track and showgrounds as a fundraiser for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, was a huge success.
Organised by Fleet Transport magazine, visitors were treated to a unique experience where over 100 trucks, vans, classic cars and tractors on display sparkled in splendid sunshine, blending in with a vibrant trade and entertainment area.
A selection of food and refreshment stalls mixed in with merchandise stands, along with two ice-cream vendors, added to the variety of the day.
There was entertainment for all ages, with kiddies amusements at one end, ‘themed’ music and interviews broadcast live by Claremorris Community Radio, and live music on stage by local band The Outsiders.
Trade stands ranged from new car and van sales, professional transport operator and driver course providers to AdBlue suppliers, vehicle graphics specialists, auto care products, and upcoming show/events promoters.
The local Order of Malta crew not only provided first aid cover but had strong interest in their health check clinic, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to monitor their state of health.
Nearby in the Fleet Transport marquee, children could have their face painted in glowing colours or with a truck brand logo, with Scandinavian marques proving most popular. Another big attraction for the children was the arrival of the Claremorris Division of the Mayo County Council Fire Service with budding ‘Fireman Sams and Pennys’ keen to discover more about the fire trucks and equipment.
Representatives from Mayo Roscommon Hospice were very pleased with the huge uptake for tickets for their big draw for a chance to win a new Hyundai Kona electric car, along with other donations received on the day.
Sponsored by Sweeney Oil and Pat Joyce Transport, Capitalflow, Robe Training, Western Truck & Trailer and Larkin Transport, the trucks on display were in contention for various category awards, with the main prize, the Paddy Kelly Memorial Cup for the Top Truck (of the Show), voted by show visitors and the independent judging panel. This honour went to Brian Foy (James Foy Auto Service, Dromore West, Co. Sligo), with his standout combination of a DAF XF Recovery tractor-unit with Vega low-loader, and a Mercedes-Benz Actros Recovery rigid on board. He also won the Best Recovery category.
Such was the broad appeal and attraction of the show among the road transport fraternity, other prize-winners came from as far as Armagh, Laois, Westmeath, Longford, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo.
On behalf of the organisers, Jarlath Sweeney, group editor at Fleet Transport, thanked everyone involved for making the event such a success, including the sponsors, truck entries, traders, entertainment providers, venue management and staff, plus the team of volunteers that helped out in the smooth traffic management system in operation.
“We had a great turnout all round, from brand new trucks and vans to classic cars and vintage trucks and tractors around the track, to the trade stands and food stalls, as well as a variety of entertainment that ensured a pleasant day out for the family,” he said. Jarlath also expressed gratitude to the local press and radio together with those that promoted the event on social media.
PRIZE-WINNERS AT THE CONNACHT TRUCK SHOW 2023
*In association with Pat Joyce Transport and Sweeney Oil
*In aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice
Paddy Kelly Memorial Cup - Top Truck (of the Show): DAF XF Recovery tractor-unit with Vega low-loader and Mercedes-Benz Actros Recovery rigid: James Foy Auto Service, Sligo.
Best Vintage Truck: 1960 AEC Mercury, Ger Hyland, Laois.
Best Recovery Truck: DAF XF + Vega trailer, James Foy Auto Service, Sligo.
Best DAF Fleet: 3 x DAF XF tractor-units, Sligo Haulage, Sligo.
Best DAF Truck: DAF XF 530, Lynn International, Westmeath.
Best Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz Actros 4x2 T/U, Brian Cunningham Transport, Mayo.
Best Renault Truck: Renault T-High 520 4x2, Beirne Express Freight, Mayo.
Best Volvo: Volvo FH 500 6x2, Lynx Transport, Galway.
Best Working Tipper: Hino 700 8x4, P. Ring Quarries, Mayo.
Best Restored Duo: 1993 Scania 113 380 and 2005 R580, Glynns Transport, Galway.
Best Working Truck - Irish reg: Scania R560 4x2, Protrans, Longford.
Best Working Truck - N. Irish reg: Scania R520, Hannon Transport, Armagh.
Best Working Classic: 2003 Scania 164L 580, O’Toole Transport, Galway.
Best Fuel Tanker: DAF CF, Drury Oils Ltd., Roscommon.