Classic car anniversaries at Trim show

Organisers of the 24th annual Trim Vintage and Veteran Car Rally said the show was very successful despite the weather and that it attracted the third or fourth largest crowd since the event began. Rally publicist Anthony Conlon said that gate receipts were up but the number of vintage cars was down on last year because of the heavy rain the day before and that morning. Approximately 650 vintage and veteran cars took part in the show. Mr Conlon also said they had more stall holders than ever before and that Don Baker and Backbeat stole the show. "It was something different and that appeared to get extra people in the gates," said Mr Conlon. "Overall considering the showers at all the wrong times and considering the recession, we were very happy with the numbers. We will have money to give to local charities." There were plenty of side shows for all the family as well as a junior soccer blitz, a dog show, live music, line dancing, a funfair, face-painting for children and a fortune teller. The 60th anniversary of the P4 Rover, the 50th anniversary of the Mini and the 40th anniversary of the Ford Capri were all celebrated. The main prize of the day, the Norman Pratt Shield, was awarded to Michael Beale from Dublin for his 1971 Holden Monaro GTS. The Eddie Thornton Cup for the best Volkswagen Beetle went to Tony Ferrie for his 1972 model. The Club Stand Award went to the Celtic Old Vehicle Owners Club from Kells and the best tractor award went to Oliver O'Brien for his Ferguson 20. The award for the best fire truck went to Meath County Council and the Michael McCormack Plaque for the best commercial went to Des Lucey for his 1964 Ford Cortina pick-up. The Mick Harte Cup for the best Wolseley was won by entry 161 a Wolseley 1500 with the registration ZV 36795 and the organisers are trying to track down the owner. The Special Category went to Brendan Kavanagh for his 1984 Alfa Romeo Spirit. Other category winners include: 1900-1910, John Rowley for his 1901 Hup Mobile; 1921-1930 John Brady from Rathmolyon for his Model T Roadster; 1931-1940 Richard Jordan, Rover P2; 1941-1950 Joe Whelan 1948 Rover 75; 1951-1960 David Miller from Ashbourne, for his 1955 Jaguer XK140; 1961-1970 Tomas Morgan for his Ford Prefect 107E; 1971-1980 Michael Beale for his 1971 Holden. Mr Conlon said it was a fun day and that next year would be their 25th anniversary and they would be pulling out all the stops to ensure it is the best show ever. Trim Vintage and Veteran rally was founded by Norman Pratt and the first show took place in 1985 in a small yard in Loman Street, Trim, with just 23 cars. The rally later moved to the Porchfields and the event grew from year to year to become one of the most noted dates on the vintage and veteran calender of events. The Trim rally attracts vintage car and machinery enthusiasts from all over the country and clubs from Northern Ireland and Britain have also travelled to take part in the event.