The Tipperary Vintage Club is to cease all activities. The Club was formed in 2008 by three local men Jack Leonard the current chairperson, Eddie Spencer and the late Steve Thornton.
Mr Thornton died in August after dealing with cancer over several decades.
The Club organised a number of annual events and gave all funds raised through donations to the South Tipperary Hospice
Speaking earlier today on Tipp Mid West Radio Mr Leonard says the decision was made for a number of reasons, an ageing membership some of whom are dealing with health challenges, the HSE involvement with the South Tipperary Hospice movement which now funds the night nurse service and the pressures of covering insurance costs for events.
The group arranged the Easter Saturday Honda 50 Run across West Tipperary and an annual Rally at the Tipperary Plaza that was moved from Easter Sunday to Father’s day in June in recent years.
The group also provided stewards and support to other events such as the St Patricks Day parade and the Tipperary Music Festival.
Using a range of suitably decorated bikes and vehicles the group also offered a hugely popular Santa Claus visiting service to schools and nursing homes across west Tipperary with all donations forwarded to the South Tipperary Hospice movement.
Almost €300, 000 has been raised since 2008 with €16,250 donated from this year’s event.
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath says he is shocked to hear that the group is to cease activities but says they have made a huge contribution to life in Tipperary.
Tipperary Vintage Club members including Jack Leonard will support any new group with information and advice if a group emerges that might provide similar events and services.
Mr Leonard also offers the Group’s thanks to everyone that supported or assisted in their work over the last 16 years.
