One of the biggest Classic and Vintage Shows ever seen on this island comes to Galway for the ‘Ireland Heads West for Emma’ Classic and Vintage Show at the end of the month.

For over a year now, enthusiasts from all over Ireland have been showing their support for Irish Vintage Scene Magazine’s Managing Editor, Tom Heavey’s daughter Emma Naughton Heavy in her battle against a rare cancer.

The ‘Help Emma Beat It’ Trust Fund was set up to provide seventeen-year-old Emma with the best medical treatment available in the world in her battle to beat her cancer. In January 2013 Emma, then sixteen, was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer called Fibrolamellar; this cancer only affects one in every five million people and has rarely been seen in Ireland, with only a handful of previous cases known.

In 2013 Emma underwent three major surgeries here in Ireland and made four trips to the USA for advice from the leading doctor in the world in this particular cancer. Part of the ongoing medical monitoring of Emma requires her to return to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York for a detailed scan every two months and an update of her health.

Emma’s father, Thomas Heavey, is the popular publisher and managing editor of Ireland’s leading magazines for vintage and classic vehicle enthusiasts: Irish Vintage Scene and Retro Classics.  Since the news of Emma’s illness broke, Tom has been inundated with offers of support by vintage and classic clubs, as well as individual enthusiasts from all over Ireland. To harness this support it has been decided to hold a one-off event.

Thomas Heavey, Chairman of the Trust stated: “I have been around the Classic scene for many years due to my work and I have been humbled by the support that my peers are showing for the cause. Ever since Emma was diagnosed with this rare cancer in January 2013 vintage and classic clubs and enthusiast’s from all over Ireland have wanted to support her fund Help Emma Beat It. We came up with the Idea of hosting the outdoor show and it looks like this event will be of a scale never before seen in the country.”

The show will comprise of a display of vintage cars, tractors, steam engines, stationary engines and old time machinery and tools. To date enthusiast’s and clubs from across the 32 counties have confirmed they will attend this once off special event.

Emma Naughton-Heavey said: “It has been a tough journey over the last 12 months and it has been particularly difficult having to face several surgeries and follow up treatments in America while in my leaving cert year. I have to say that even at my lowest moments the level of support and enthusiasm shown by so many gives me a boost. Words are not enough to show my thanks to all those involved in this event and the many others throughout the country . I am really looking forward to the show in Ballybrit as it will be an opportunity for me to thank everyone in person
who is there.”.


One of the highlights of the events will be the display of steam engines. It will be one of the largest ever displays in Ireland and with in excess of 40 already booked in for the show, this is more than double what was ever seen before west of the Shannon. Emmas campaign has reached across the water as well with Steam Engines making their way from Scotland and England.

For what promises to be a spectacular displays of truly amazing classic cars and entertainment for all the family, the Ireland Heads West for Emma show takes place in Ballybrit Racecourse on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, open 10am – 6pm each da