Cavan revs up for Drive Against Suicide

A group of retro motor enthusiasts hope to attract up to 200 participants for the inaugural ‘Circuit of Hope’ Drive Against Suicide later this month, Sunday, August 29.

In support of SOSAD Cavan, the cavalcade of cars will travel a pre-ordained route covering more than 90 miles of the best roads and views the local region has to offer.

Registration starts from 8am at the circus grounds located just off the N55 Cavan bypass, before drivers set off at 11am.

“The registration fee is €20 per vehicle, which will be collected at the gate on entry and the run includes a half-way stop for refreshments and refuelling before heading back towards Cavan Town,” explains co-organiser Anthony Smith from Gowna. There’s also a prize for ‘Car of the day’ and plenty of raffle prizes.

The circuit chosen takes in a “couple of scenic routes” says Anthony, who lists the journey starting with Ballinagh to Kilcogy, and Finea onto Castlepollard. The journey then takes drivers towards Fore, Oldcastle, Ballinlough, Virginia and then Ballyjamesduff where the convoy will stop at Skelly’s. Afterwards, drivers will motor towards New Inns, Lavey, Grousehall, Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, Stradone, and finally back to Cavan Town.

Around 700 people have followed the event’s social media page already if that is any small indicator of how successful it might be.

“A lot of lads are raring to go and get their cars out after Covid, and this’ll be one of the first big runs in Cavan, so hopefully it’ll attract a good crowd.”

After all, Anthony, who is still unsure as to what he might drive on the day himself, says it’s “for a good cause”.

He explains: “Like a lot of people, a lot of families around Cavan and Ireland, the lads behind this are no different in that suicide has come close, and unfortunately for some closer than others.

“We all know each other through the car scene and have come together to organise this event and hopefully support the work being done by SOSAD as well.”