Thomas Harpur was pre-loading sand for a racecourse in County Kildare when Paul O‘Callaghan met him at his employer‘s yard in the southeast of Ireland. “I usually work every Saturday, so I‘m loaded now and ready for the off on Monday morning.” The native of County Wexford has been driving for J&K Ormonde Haulage for the past 10 years and his service and meticulous care for his trucks has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the fact he drives the flagship FH16 750. “James runs a fleet of seven FH16 650s, my 750 and three 13-litre 540s. We deliver sand for horse racecourses, arenas and football pitches all over the country, and also export decorative stone to the UK.”

Rearing a young family, Thomas is home most nights but will stay away occasionally if required. His 750 can gross 46 tonnes max and he loves the power on tap, which makes for a very relaxed drive. Ireland‘s most popular sport is GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) of which there are two codes: hurling (with a stick) and football. So of the two, which is his preference? “I‘d have to say hurling,” said Thomas. “This is a big hurling area. My kids play on the same team as the boss‘s, so it‘s a real family affair.”

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