Organisers and supporters of the Lough Derg 100.

Lake loop in support of the hospice

An exciting and philanthropic event is set to take place on Saturday, May 30, as car enthusiasts gather at Carey Glass, Nenagh for a memorable day in support of North Tipperary hospice.

The event promises to combine an appreciation for classic and performance cars with the spirit of charity, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of Lough Derg.

Lough Derg 100 is an annual motoring event organised by a group of passionate volunteers and car enthusiasts from Nenagh Classic Car Club and the surrounding area. Every year, the group uses the event to raise funds for a selected charity. By participating in the event and donating to take part, event attendees can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families facing challenging situations.

In 2025, the team decided to step up efforts to fundraise, which resulted in the best year yet - over 100 cars took part and more than €635 was raised for the Irish Guide Dogs and €2,925 was raised for Pieta House.

In 2026, the Lough Derg 100 team will be raising funds for the valuable services provided by North Tipperary hospice.

ENGINES ROAR

The event will kick off at Carey Glass, Limerick Road, Nenagh, where participants will gather to first display their cars to the public, before embarking on the 100km roundtrip. As the engines roar to life, a convoy of classic cars/bikes/jeeps and performance cars will set out on a scenic drive around the breathtaking Lough Derg region. Drivers and passengers alike will experience the thrill of the open road while immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Spectators and automotive fans are invited to come to Carey Glass from 11am to 1pm and view the variety of machines on display before they head off around the lake. The event will then finish at 2pm at The Green Bar, Borrisokane, where all cars will once again be on display for local spectators. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the Green Bar.

As part of the fundraising drive, participants and the public will be asked for donations on the day towards North Tipperary Hospice. There is no fixed amount, any contribution, no matter the size, will be warmly appreciated.

A birdseye view of cars gathered at Carey Glass for the 2023 Lough Derg 100. Photo: Odhran Ducie

‘A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY’

"We are honoured to once again host this charitable car event this year in support of North Tipperary Hospice," said Lough Derg 100 committee member Paddy Whelan. "It's a special opportunity for motoring enthusiasts to come together, enjoy the beauty of the region and be part of the Nenagh Classic Car club for the day.”

Started four years ago by Lough Derg 100 chairman John Joe Lewis and members of the Nenagh Classic Car Club, the Lough Derg 100 has gone from strength to strength, and this is down to the time, effort and passion of the members of the Nenagh Classic Car Club to make this event such a special day out.

“This year’s Lough Derg 100 is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. We have several new things taking place at this year’s run,” Paddy said. “New for 2026 we have a raffle taking place with some amazing prizes donated by local businesses. And for every vehicle that registers on the morning of the run, they will be entered into a free raffle for a paint enhancement and 12-month ceramic coating sponsored by Taff’s Valeting here in Nenagh.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the local businesses that have come on board this year to sponsor the run: Taff’s Valeting, Clearys Daybreak, RAE auto factors, CareyGlass International, The Green 1918 (The Green Bar), PJ Brett & Associates Engineering consultant, William Powell Construction Ltd, Cozmin Detailing Nenagh, Donnacha McGrath & Sons carpentry and building services, Sherry FitzGerald Talbot, REA Eoin Dillon, Nenagh Tyre Centre.

“Our main goal for this year is to get the word out to the public and invite them to join us on the morning of May 30 to see some of the amazing vehicles that will be on display.”

REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP

So, whether it's a sleek vintage classic or a more modern sports car, bikes, trucks, jeeps, everyone is welcome to be a part of this charitable initiative. People wishing to take part in the show or both the show and the drive can turn up on the day and register, or register online and take part in the Lough Derg 100 sponsorship cards where we’d ask people to raise €100 for the Lough Derg 100. Everyone taking part in the sponsorship card will receive a Lough Derg 100 2026 T-shirt.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit Lough Derg 100 on Facebook or Instagram or email: Loughderg100@yahoo.com for further details.

About North Tipperary Hospice:

The North Tipperary Hospice Movement was founded in 1981. Initially it concentrated on the establishment of an in-home support service involving the provision of specialist beds and ancillary equipment together with appropriate nursing care to assist terminally ill patients who wished to spend their final weeks or days in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by family and friends. More recently, roughly 10 years ago in fact, to enable us to be in a position to intervene at an earlier stage in the cancer journey, support centres were established in Nenagh (Suaimhneas) and Thurles (Suir Haven) to provide counselling, therapies and other supports on an individual and group basis to cancer patients and their families. In addition, an outreach centre has been established in Roscrea.

Since it was first established, all the services provided by the North Tipperary Hospice Movement are delivered to patients and their families on a confidential basis and totally free of charge. Currently the annual budget required is in the region of €400,000, all of which is raised through fundraising events and voluntary contributions. We are deeply indebted to the many thousands of supporters who have contributed so willingly over the past 30 years to enable us to keep on providing these valuable services throughout North Tipperary.