Autumn Run: 27th October 2024

The heartland of County Tipperary was our chosen location for our annual autumn run. 

The bright and sunny day made the landscape most colourful where forty shades of brown and green provided our background as the deciduous trees shed their leaves with the coniferous trees providing contrast.

A witty member sent a birthday card to Mr. Chummy O’Mahony, in congratulations of having reached a century.

Foregathering at a farmyard nearby made for very convenient parking of trailers.

River House Restaurant café bar for us was the perfect location for morning refreshments for a social catch up matched by teas & coffee and a fair choice of pastries & cakes.

A good opportunity for a group photo with the Café in the background.

Lincoln & Nolan at Lower Baggot Street, Dublin were the distributorship of Austins in the early twenties and most likely had the sale of YI-6554 to a well to do first lady owner.

Subject to correction it seems that YI-6554 is the oldest Austin Seven in Ireland, running as sweet today as it was one hundred years ago.  Is it not marvellous that the design and craftsmanship of those engineers is still in existence today for car buffs to cherish and enjoy ?

We set off in style, from Cahir Castle Car Park, with onlookers cheering us on with smiles all round in a southerly direction via Ballylooby as far as Clogheen. 

For those not familiar with the territory, this is agricultural scenery at its best, full of autumnal colours with roadways eminently suitable for our cars and well within what appertained a century ago.

Clogheen lies in the Galtee-Vee Valley with the Galtee Mountains to the north and the Knockmealdowns in close proximity to the south. The River Tar which is a tributary of the Suir runs through the village. The nearest large towns are Cahir and Mitchelstown.

We turned East in the direction of the Vee Pass where we halted a while to take in the views for our enjoyment.

The Vee’ refers to a V-shaped turn on the road leading to a gap in the Knockmealdown mountains. The Vee itself is on the Sugar Loaf, but the pass from Tipperary to Waterford runs between Knockaunabulloga (on which you will find Bay Lough) and the Sugar Loaf.

The Vee is predominantly famous because of the breathtaking panoramic views afforded to travellers and sight seers going through the pass. The journey rises to about 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level above Bay Lough, and as it does so it gives wonderful views of a portion of the ‘Golden Vale’  between the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountain Ranges.

On a clear day (or night) the Vee affords views along and across the valley to Clonmel, Cahir, Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Ballyporeen and even Cashel.

It is also famous as the resting place of Samuel Grubb, whose grave, known as Grubb’s Grave or Grubb’s Monument, stands looking across the Vee Valley, since his death in 1921.

Lunch time break was approaching;  Our group descended from the high position and soon headed in a northerly direction to Atrdfinnan, situated on the River Suir. The Catholic parish of Ardfinnan is made up of three areas: Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, and Grange. Ardfinnan is also a civil parish in the ancient barony of Iffa and Offa West. The population of the village is approximately 900 people.

 A prominent feature of the village is the Anglo-Norman Ardfinnan Castle, the sister castle to Lismore Castle and was built by Prince John of England in 1185 to guard the river crossing.

The 13 arch bridge was started soon after the castle was completed. The castle has a long and varied history of owners and is inhabited to the present day as a private residence.

The local Centra Deli had a variety of delicious food with choices galore, sufficient to confuse. 

The street scape and the adjoining riverside park with views of the locality, were truly enhanced by the presence of a bevy of white swans basking in the afternoon warmth.  In this setting we enjoyed our company and nourishment.

Time to crank up was too soon upon us; we headed back to base.

The farm yard and ancillary buildings are used for the propagation of shrubs and trees with so many varieties to comprehend, especially as it is customary to identify the product in its latin language.  Not too much of a challenge for those with a scholastic educational background.

A newly created pot plant, very suitable for smaller and compact gardens was in readiness; a souvenir gift was presented by President Grogan of a Hebe Green Globe plant, as a keepsake and a memento of the event.

Altogether, we relished in the company of an Austin Seven that celebrated its 100^th birthday.  We look forward to the next Seven one to reach that covetous milestone.

We bade our farewells, leaving at an appropriate time that would see us all home and safe, given that the clocks had turned back by one hour at 3:00 am that morning.

Another very enjoyable and educational trip in the heartland of County Tipperary, the Golden Vale of Ireland.  Highly recommended. 

In signing off for this article and for that matter our 2024 touring season, we extend our collective thanks to Declan Grogan for his leadership and time in keeping our Club active and alive. 

Until then, ave atque vale.