Simtech Support Birr Breakfast Fly-In with €10,000 Donation

The annual Breakfast Fly-In fundraiser took place at Birr Airfield on the 2nd of April 2022 – an event where love for flying and a good cause blended seamlessly as one, an exciting get together of general aviation enthusiasts from all over the country who flew in to enjoy a full Irish breakfast in the sun aiming to support SVP, Ireland’s biggest voluntary charitable organisation, this time Offaly SVP in particular.

A total of 40 fantastic volunteers from Ormand Flying Club and the local community made it all possible. From the team who cooked a delicious Irish Breakfast and kept everyone warm and fed, through to Marshallers and ground staff who ensured the smooth and safe running of the day at the airfield and of course to everyone who, with their effort and big heart, contributed to this event being a big success.

Even though the Irish weather played a few tricks with occasional rain and hail showers, it did not take the spirit of the day away from anyone. David Corboy from the Ormand Flying Club who organised the event said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s fly-in, we have had a super morning, while also raising a really significant amount of money for SVP – a charity that does fantastic work in the local community. Thank you to everyone who made today happen and all those who contributed.”

It was a fantastic display of beautiful machinery throughout the day. The stylish arrival of Ray Kennedy, the Irish Air Corps showcasing their helicopters, the Irish Coast Guard with its team and a breathtaking performance from Skydive Ireland. An incredible number of 102 aircraft attended which made it the biggest turnout to date.

A fantastic sum of €10,000 was raised on the day by the participating pilots. A special donation of €10,000 made by Simtech Aviation brought the total to over €20,000 which will go to support local children and families.

Marian Carter, president of the SVP Offaly said: “A very successful fundraiser for SVP Birr a Breakfast Fly-in was held at the Ormand Flying Club in Birr on Saturday 2nd of April in beautiful sunshine. On behalf of Saint Vincent De Paul Birr, I want to thank most sincerely Simtech for their very generous donation of €10,000 to our Charity on the day.

The event itself also raised €10,000, total €20,000. Over the past 21 years, Capt Sé Pardy has organised a very successful Golf Classic in Birr Golf Club on our behalf in August, raising in excess of €285,000. To have someone like Sé Pardy a native Birr man as our main sponsor is just incredible. We know these events don’t happen overnight. A huge amount of work goes into the organising by Sé and his wonderful team.

We have seen a 20% in increase in demand since January on our services, i.e. Food and Energy Poverty is very serious at the moment. This money raised will go to people in need in Birr and the surrounding catchment area.”

Gerard Whelan, Managing Director of Simtech Aviation, said:“ Simtech Aviation is proud to be associated with this fantastic event and with the incredible work that is done by St. Vincent De Paul Charity in Birr which plays such a vital role in the local community, especially now in these extraordinary times when their efforts are needed more than ever. Simtech is very glad to play its part in supporting the SVP Birr in what was a wonderful day out for a most deserving cause.”

A big thank you to everyone who supported the Birr Breakfast Fly-In, and to all the volunteers who put endless effort and hard work into preparation ahead of the event and pulled it off on the day. Also a big thank you to all who attended and for their contribution to a great local charity.

Main photo: L-R (Capt. Pat Lanigan-Ryan, Head of Training at Simtech, Kilian Hanratty, Sales Manager Simtech, Marian Carter, President SVP Offaly, David Corboy, Ormand Flying Club)