Macra comes home to Kildare at 80th anniversary rally
The organising committee for this year's Marca rally Gillian Murphy, Paudie O Neill, Aoife McGowan, David Kelly, Emma Birchall, Fergal Dunne, Elaine Birchall, Ciaran Commane, Katie O'Neill, Joe Metcalfe, Aisling Keegan, Avril Bradley (missing from photo is Brian Fitzpatrick) Photo: Marius Monaghan
MACRA na Feirme came home to Kildare with resounding success as the organisation marked its 80th anniversary in Naas.
The national organisation which was founded in Athy held its annual rally over the bank holiday weekend.
Athy and Naas Macra jointly hosted and organised the weekend. There was a bumper-packed schedule of events which attracted around 1,000 people over the three days.
The rally commenced on Friday in Lawlor’s of Naas with the Irish Farmers Journal National Know Your Ag quiz followed by a Macra Social Session County Colours night and music.
On Saturday, there was a series of farm and alternative tours in the morning followed by the annual conference in Lawlor’s which has the theme ‘Generational Renewal’. The keynote speaker is An Taoiseach, Simon Harris.
There was great craic on Saturday evening with country entertainment from BelterBoi.
On Sunday there was a beef and sheep stock judging competition at Leinster Marts, Kilcullen. Awards were handed out to various clubs and individuals and Freemount in Cork was named Club of the Year, during the rally banquet with entertainment by the Harlequin band.
A 13-strong local committee organised the momentous event and was thrilled with its success.
“It was such a resounding success. We are really, really delighted with it,” said PRO Gillian Murphy. “It’s an honour to host it. Macra was coming home! We are small county for Macra. Cork has 20-25 clubs. We have two clubs. To get the opportunity to host it on the 80th anniversary, there’s a lot of pride in that.”
Macra was first established to provide training for young farmers and a social outlet.
The organisation has changed a bit over the years. You don’t have to be even from a farming background to join and it prides itself on a friendly welcoming environment.
“It’s hard to describe what it means to members, it’s like a family vibe. When you go to one of the social events, you see the same faces, people from Kerry and Galway. You really make friendships with those people. It’s very welcoming.”
She added: “If you could bottle it and let people experience it would be great ... Something is going on the whole time."
The committee would like to thank its sponsors including its primary one, FBD.
“Without them, we couldn’t do it,” said Gillian. The team at Lawlor’s of Naas were also commended for their great hospitality over the weekend.
For more information Naas and Athy Macra both have active Instagram pages and check out macra.ie.
