Castlerea prison at heart of unique tractor restoration project
The vintage tractor, which will be fully restored.
Castlerea Prison is at the heart of a unique tractor restoration project involving a collaboration with a dementia charity.
The Foxford Alzheimer’s Community Trust CLG (FACT) Social Club has partnered with the Irish Prison Service to restore a 1950s Massey Ferguson tractor, donated by Pat Towey, owner of Towey’s Spar & TopOil service station in Ballaghaderreen.
The vintage tractor will be sold when fully restored by the Men’s Shed in Castlerea Prison to raise funds for the charity. A related iDonate fundraising page has also been established.
The unique project not only brings history back to life, but is also supporting individuals with dementia and those facing rural isolation.
Governor of Castlerea Prison, Theresa Beirne, said the restoration project was a shining example of how collaboration and community involvement could create positive change.
“Our prisoners, alongside our dedicated work and training staff, are excited to contribute their skills to this meaningful cause.
“It’s a chance for them to give back to the community and support the incredible work being done by FACT Social Club,” she said.
The Irish Prison Service said the collaboration brings together an unlikely team of people, each with their own reasons, to give back, to create awareness and to show that together really is better.
Prisoners, alongside work and training staff, will undertake the hands-on work, contributing their skills and dedication to this meaningful cause.
The prison service said local businesses and volunteers had generously donated the necessary parts, making this a true community-driven initiative.
By generating funds through the sale of the restored vintage tractor, this project aims to provide ongoing assistance to families grappling with dementia’s complexities while simultaneously raising awareness about these critical issues within the community.
Declan Howley, Manager of FACT Social Club said: “This project exemplifies the power of community and compassion. Restoring an antique tractor serves as a tangible reminder of our collective responsibility towards vulnerable populations, it symbolises how communal efforts can lead to meaningful change.”
You can follow the restoration story on the Foxford & District Alzheimer Trust on Facebook and Instagram while the iDonate fundraising link is www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/CommunityDementiaTractorRestoration
