What began with eight young men in a bar in Mountbellew in 1999 now consists of 200 active member’s both senior and junior. The idea spurred from genuine interest in restoring old vehicles back to their former glory.
Local interest developed quickly and members soon found themselves looking for a suitable site to hold their first show. Thanks to the local Franciscan brothers the site was, made available and the date was set for the 27th of July 2000.
Thanks to local businesses and huge local support, the first show was a tremendous success. So much so that the annual show had to move to a larger site. A meeting was held with our local co-operative society, and soon plans were in place to hold the second show at their grounds, where it has resided ever since. Now in their second year, the small committee grew in immense size year-by-year, due to the support from other local clubs who attended in enormous numbers annually.
Little did the members of this time know, that the club would evolve to be one of the largest shows in the west of Ireland, solely due to the dedication of its members and sponsors. The clubs main goal was to try and raise monies for local and national charities. Due to the large crowds that attend this show each year, the club to date has donated in excess of €40,000.
In October 2003 the club decided to add an additional event to its calendar, this being the start of the annual spring road run. The club held its first road run on St. Patricks day 2004.
These road runs contributed immensely to the collection funds being donated to charity.
Seeing the opportunity to hold another social event, the first annual dinner dance was held in January 2006, where charity cheques are donated, This is supported very generously by members, patrons and friends.
Three of our members have gone on to join the national club, I.V.E.T.A, for which we are affiliated.
Due to the lack of vintage show coverage in UK based magazines, one of our members took It upon himself to found and edit Irelands only vintage magazine which continues to grow in popularity throughout the country. This publication “Irish Vintage Scene” continues to promote our own club and similar clubs and organizations throughout the country.