Horse and carriage enthusiasts break world record at Tipperary event
They took part in the longest ever parade of horse-drawn carriages, organised at Tipperary Racecourse by the Golden Vale Carriage Driving Club.
The event was a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Daughters of Charity Service for persons with intellectual disabilities at Lisnagry, Co Limerick.
Farmer Paddy Hanley of Doon, Co Limerick — who drives a magnificent carriage and four — said it was supported by horse-drawn carriage owners from throughout the country.
“Carriage driving has become a big pastime with farmers and the numbers involved have increased greatly in recent years.
“Some farmers have restored old horse-drawn carriages and others have imported carriages.
“There are some beautiful carriages in the country now, and it is becoming a big sport” he said.
The world record had stood at 208 carriages paraded in Belgium in 2004. The gathering at Tipperary Racecourse easily exceeded that, with 265 carriages clocked in.
