Truckers to take to the roads in droves – for pre-Christmas fundraising run

That’s the plan announced by local advocate Paddy Rock, who wants to recreate that festive feeling – and raise money for two worthy causes in the process.

But the truckers won’t bring the region to a standstill – because they will be taking to the roads with just their cabs, all decked out in Christmas lights!

Launching the Joyce Country Truck Run & Light Show, Mr Rock outlined the charity route, beginning at Peacock’s Hotel and travelling through Maam, Cornamona and Cloughbreac before finishing in Clonbur village, where the annual lighting of the Christmas tree will officially trigger the start of the festive season.

The whole spectacular will benefit two charities – Galway Parkinson’s Association and My Canine Companion, Autism and Therapy Services, because both support two local families in the area.

Paddy Rock, founder of the Joyce Country Truck Run, is also a member of the Galway Parkinson’s Association – an organisation he said had helped him cope with his own diagnosis of the illness.

“It has help me manage my Parkinson’s with tips and helpful information from other members and of course the therapies the association provides,” he said.

And that was why he decided to come up with the truck run.

He said he always had an idea that he would love to make his own version of the Coke Christmas ad with all the trucks lit up for Christmas.

And he knew that Maam Valley – all lit up with the finest trucks around decorated in Christmas lights – was the place to recreate such an iconic scene and do it for the benefit of deserving charities.

Aoife Conroy, mother of Robbie Conroy-Dermody, revealed the positive impact on her little boy after he received his assistance dog, Archie, from My Canine Companion – Autism and Therapy Services.

My Canine Companion trains assistance dogs for children with autism and other needs.

The dog’s primary role is to be a safety anchor when out in public for the children as the child is attached to the dog’s vest via a safety belt ensuring the child is safe at all times – bu,t they are also companions, sensory and emotional supports…and most importantly a friend.

Robbie Conroy-Dermody is autistic and was delighted to receive his assistance puppy-in-training Archie back in August.

Aoife said that Archie had changed her son’s life already after only a couple of months of being with them.

“Robbie made a friend on his first day of school – something that would otherwise be very difficult for him,” she said.

“A boy in his class was so taken with Archie and – after his teacher told the class Archie was a magic doggie to help Robbie – she later heard the boy tell his mother that Robbie was his friend, and he had a magic doggie.

“So thanks to Archie, the magic dog, Robbie now has two best friends,” she said.

The launch event also heard from Marie Cahill, Chairperson of the Galway Parkinson’s Association, who told the gathering that the GPA provides physiotherapy and speech and language therapy for over 100 members per week.

“These therapies are vital for the members of this group – and the level of support for this event shows just how important they are to the people of Galway and their families,” she said.

The first annual Joyce Country Truck Run & Light Show in aid of Galway Parkinson’s Association and My Canine Companion - Autism and Therapy Services will commence on December 11 from Peacock’s Hotel, Maam Cross, at 5pm.

The event is open to articulated lorry cabs – no trailers – and to smaller trucks such as refrigerated six wheelers and delivery trucks.

For more information on how to register for the event, contact [email protected] – and to contribute go to https://www.idonate.ie/JoyceCountryTruckRun