About the Truck

IRISH DROVER

Rolling proudly in this year’s charity truck convoy is a true Australian trucking legend — “The Irish Drover”, a 1988 Mack Superliner 2 with a history as tough as the roads it travelled.

Originally built for Truck Expo in 1988, this iconic Mack quickly became one of the most recognised custom trucks in the country. In November 1991, it earned Rig of the Month before going on to claim the ultimate honour — Rig of the Year in Truckin’ Life Magazine in 1991.

The truck’s first owner, Barry Sky, worked the famous Sydney to Brisbane run hauling carbon black tankers during the glory days of Australian linehaul. Barry later sold the truck and contract to John O’Connor, who gave the rig the name it proudly carries today — “The Irish Drover.”

In 1994, current owner Vince Fotia purchased the truck as a wreck. What followed was 12 months of hard work and determination, rebuilding the Mack into a serious workhorse that travelled Australia-wide in single, road train and heavy haulage operations.

Over its incredible career, “The Irish Drover” clocked more than 3.5 million kilometres before Vince retired the truck in 2013. Remarkably, the truck still runs its original engine block — a testament to Mack toughness and careful ownership. Now fitted with an 18-speed Mack gearbox, 44,000-pound diffs, and rated to 120 tonnes, this Superliner remains every bit the powerhouse it always was.

In 2024, the truck commenced a complete restoration, bringing this legendary rig back to its former glory for a new generation to admire.

Today, “The Irish Drover” stands not just as a truck, but as a living piece of Australian transport history — representing the drivers, the long miles, the late nights, and the passion that built the industry.

Make sure you give Vince and “The Irish Drover” a wave as they proudly roll through the convoy supporting a great cause.