The A-Z of Laois Macra na Feirme
Laois Macra na Feirme is a youth organisation for seventeen to thirty-five-year olds. Laois Macra is comprised of eight various clubs such as Camross, Clough, Durrow/Abbeyleix, East Laois, Mountmellick, Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Slieve Bloom. Macra na Feirme is one of the main contributors to sustaining the development of rural committees within Ireland. Macra supports the rural youth farming society through social events, sports and theatre along with economic, personal growth and wellbeing development. Macra na Feirme enhances rural youth of Ireland by representing their interests and developments in today’s societies whilst also assisting in the development and implementation of relevant policies and programs at national, regional and local levels by advocating on their behalf.
Laois Macra na Feirme offers various sporting events and competitions throughout the year such as hurling, gaeilic football, soccer and tag rugby amongst others. Whilst catering for individuals that prefer music and drama through the national talent competitions, capers and drama. Throughout the year Macra host various social events both on local levels through clubs and county and nationally i.e Mr. Personality, Queen of the Land, Blue Jeans Country queen and Miss macra amongst others. If you would like to know more about Macra na Feirme visit macra.ie or contact Laois Macra on our Facebook page here or Instagram here.
Our club officers. Michael Gorman (Chairperson), Mairead McEvoy (Secretary), Jenn Dooley (PRO) and Sharon Fitzpatrick (Treasurer)
Laois Macra na Feirme would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mountmellick Macra na Feirme on reaching the Macra na Feirme Club of the Year Finals.
Mountmellick will now go forward to represent Laois on the 24th of October in the finals. Due to the current restrictions with Covid-19, the final will take place remotely with clubs across the country showcasing their highlights on-line.
Speaking to Club Chairman, Micheal Gorman he thanked all club members who made this feat possible. “Reaching the finals is a huge achievement for our club and a testament to our members commitment to Mountmellick Macra. It’s an honour to represent our club and Laois in the finals.”
Club Secretary, Mairead McEvoy agreed with the Chair’s sentiments and added “We are always looking for new members and even though it will be a different year for the club; new members are always welcome.”
The club had a very busy year with an active badminton club, taking part in a variety of Macra competitions as well as the many social activities that make up the Macra calendar. The club ran a successful fundraiser, a 2 Act Drama; “Fortunes and Misfortunes” last November. Another highlight of the year for the club was Mountmellick Macras Annual Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in their hall last February. Little did the club know, it would be one of their last events before lockdown in March.
The club didn’t let that stop them, adapting to the new ways of keeping in touch, they participated in online competitons such as Macras Talent Quest, and virtual stock judging. Last weekend, the club won the Question Time All Ireland Final. The team made up of Jennifer Dooley, Áine Delaney, Nikolaj Theusen and Aidan Moore saw off the competition to win the much sought after title.
Members of Mountmellick Macra at their most recent AGM on Friday the 2nd October 2020.
Best new member is a competition within Macra na Feirme presented to an individual, male or female who has recently joined a club within the organisation and has been deemed to have made a significant contribution to their club. Laois Macra would like to congratulate Emma Weston, Portlaoise Macra on getting through to the national final of Best new member on the 24th October 2020.
1) What club are you a member of and how long have you been a member?
I’m a part of Portlaoise Macra and I have joined last October.
2)What made you join macra?
I wanted to get out and meet new people and get more involved in my community, I figured Macra would be the perfect way to do that!!
Best New Macra Member Emma Weston
3)What was your favourite competition in macra?
My Favourite competition in Macra so far was the bowling- it was so much fun and everyone got a good laugh out of it.
4)What was your favourite event in Macra?
My favouite event in Macra so far was Queen of the Land- it was my first proper event with macra when I joined last year and I have some brilliant memories of the night!
5)What has been your best experience whilst in Macra?
My best experience with Macra so far has been getting the chance to make a difference in my community. Whether it was fundraising for different charities or days out with the group. Macra just goes to show how the smallest things can impact everybody’s life and give you a group to turn to. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll do, but you know that with Macra, it’s always going to be good fun with even better people around you!
6)Are you involved in any roles/ sub roles?
I’m on the competions team for Portlaoise Macra and I’m on the Sports and Social Team for Laois Macra this year. I was also a covid compliance officer for Portlaoise for our bowling event.
7) If someone wanted to join Macra na Feirme, how would you promote it in your own words?
Joining Macra was definitely the best thing I ever did. It gives you the opportunity to meet countless new people, push you to do your best and have a laugh while you’re doing it. It’s really brought me out of my shell. During the full lockdown, our online Macra events gave me something to look forward to and getting to see people again, all be it over a zoom call. Macra is something that is so important and so enjoyable, the work doesn’t even feel like work. Ive met amazing people in Macra, people I will know forever, and I’m looking forward to getting going to meetings again when we’re able to!