Stradbally hosts National Vintage Steam Rally

It will be full steam ahead in Stradbally today, as the National Vintage Steam Rally begins.

Thirty engines will be showcases at the event, which will feature vintage cars, tractors, trucks and even a Model T Ford car.

"Fun tractor pulling" will also be a feature - as spectators watch several tractors pull a heavy sleigh almost 100m, in what is known as the world's most powerful motorsport.

Pauline Madigan, secretary of the National Steam Rally, paid tribute to the owners' dedication to caring for the historic vehicles.

"Fair play to the owners of, especially, the steam engines," she said.

"If you think , they really started the whole industrial revolution, and it's great to see these things being preserved.

"And the money and the time and the love they put into preserving them - it's worth coming along to support them, even for that alone."