Under starters for the Sam Bennett Memorial Vintage run last Saturday. The treasurer of the Ballinagh Vintage Club, Billy Reilly, has the honour of leading out the annual Sam Bennett Vintage Run from the carpark at the Ballinagh Community Hall. All proceeds are going to the Cavan Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. PHOTOS: SEAN MCMAHON

Sam Bennett Memorial Run continues fundraising legacy

12th annual Sam Bennett Memorial Run took place recently.

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The 12th annual Sam Bennett Memorial Run took place last month raising much-needed funds for the Cavan branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association.

A parade of over 30 vehicles set off from Ballinagh Community Centre on Saturday, June 25, completing a circuit through Cavan and Butlersbridge, before returning back to Ballinagh.

While the funds raised over the weekend have not yet been counted, they are expected to make a big impact on the Cavan based organisation.

The run, which was organised by the Ballinagh and District Vintage Club, has taken place every year since 2010 and has raised over €100,000 for various charities across Ireland.

Winston Bennett, a relative of the late Sam Bennett, was delighted with the success of the weekend.

“The memorial went very, very well. The collectors in Ballinagh said they did exceptionally well.”

He was especially proud that the money raised is set to help the people of Cavan. “All that money isn’t going to be sent to Dublin, it’s all going to the Cavan branch, which I think is important.”

The fundraising for the long-awaited run got off to a flying start this year with €500 sponsorship from Wilton Recycling.

“I have to thank Wilton Waste for coming in and sponsoring the trip, that was a good kick start,” Mr Bennett continued.

He also expressed his gratitude towards the people of Cavan, thanking them for their incredible support through the years. “I have to thank the people of the county because they’re more than generous, I don’t think there’s another county in Ireland that gives as much to charity as Cavan does.”

Sam Bennett was a proud president and founding member of the Ballinagh and District Vintage Club.

Established in 2007, it sought to bring together men and women who all share a passion for vintage vehicles.

The fundraising doesn’t stop there for the members of the Ballinagh based club, as they already have plans to host a table quiz and a bake sale to raise more funds in memory of their friend, Sam.

The date of both events will be released in the coming weeks.

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