A total of 16 Ferguson tractors with an average age of 75 years will be taking on the challenge to drive from Mizen to Malin next week.

Starting from Mizen Head in Co. Cork on Wednesday, May 6, the trproceeding to Malin Head, Co. Donegal, arriving on Tuesday, May 12.

This drive will demonstrate the durability of the Ferguson 20 tractor which was first introduced from 1946-1956, according to Mick Forde, co-ordinator of the Ferguson heritage group.

Forde has his own collection of Fergusons on display at Grenagh between Mallow and Cork.

He said: "Well over a half million of these little grey Fergies were produced, a testament to the engineering genius of Harry Ferguson who was born in Co. Down."

Ferguson Memorial Committee

Recently a small group of enthusiasts, known as the Ferguson Memorial Committee, secured the original homestead where Harry Ferguson was born and reared. 

This will be developed into a museum showcasing all the achievements of Harry Ferguson, from the three point linkage to the first four-wheel-drive car with ABS brakes.

Forde said: "To have something in his birth place is very exciting.

"Funds raised from the event will be shared with the Irish Cancer Society and the museum fund."

The Ferguson tractor drive - which includes one woman, Mary Angela Downes - covers approximately 600km.

The route is as follows:

Wednesday, May 6: Mizen Head to Macroom;
Thursday, May 7: Macroom to Knockaderry, Co. Limerick;
Friday, May 8: Knockaderry to Portumna, Co. Galway;
Saturday, May 9: Portumna to Keenagh, Co. Longford;
Sunday, May 10: Keenagh to Sligo Town, Co. Sligo;
Monday, May 11: Sligo to Ballybofey, Co. Donegal;
Tuesday, May 12: Ballybofey to Malin Head.

There will be collection points along the way at the tractors' fuel and pit stops and evening overnight stop, where people can donate to the Irish Cancer Society and the Ferguson Museum.

This is the second Mizen to Malin challenge, with the first taking place in May 2001.

That event saw 15 Ferguson tractors take part, some of which are doing it again 25 years later.