Vintage cars set off from Bray on the sixth stage of a tour of Ireland in aid of Combat Cancer.
Before departing from the seaside town of Bray in County Wicklow, final adjustments are made to the nine vintage cars taking part in a tour around Ireland to aid the Combat Cancer charity. The fundraising event is organised by Joe and Susan Lynn, joint secretaries of the Northern Ireland Classic Vehicle Club.
The eight Austins and one Ford departed Belfast on 9 August for the 1,000 mile, week long journey through Ballymena, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Cork, Tramore, Dublin and Newry. The tour finishes at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 16 August.
Joe Lynn, driving a 1929 Austin Chummy tourer, explains Forward Trust Limited are sponsoring the fuel costs with drivers paying their own hotel expenses.
We'll collect money on the way for Combat Cancer.
The nine cars taking part date from the 1920s and 1930s. The oldest car, a 1924 Austin Clifton Tourer, has been brought over from Forfar in Scotland. The only downside of the tour for Joe Lynn is the condition of the roads.
Terrible, very, very, bumpy.
Former Circuit of Ireland Rally winner Ronnie McCartney is taking part in the tour in a 1934 Austin 16. He is similarly disappointed in the condition of the roads and does not believe they have improved since his 1964 rally win.
Out of the 904 miles I've done up to date, I would think there has only been about 300 miles of good roads.
While Ronnie McCartney thinks the roads in Northern Ireland are better, he feels the scenery south of hte border offers more.
I suppose one makes up for the other.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 August 1980. The reporter is Charlie Bird.
