Cork County Capers

Friday the 9th of December saw Cork County Macra members take to the stage in the Edel Quinn Hall Kanturk for the County Final of the Capers competition. With 8 teams from the regions taking part, it was a night that showcased the talent and dedication of the members.
With music, comedy, and dance in abundance all eight teams impressed the judges with Middelton in third Place, Berrings in second and Freemount taking first place. In the individual awards: Best
Producer: Tommy Moyles
Best Act: Donoughmore
Best Female: Joan Marie Healy
Best Male: Padraig Griffen
All eight teams will now go forward and represent their regions in the national rounds. Best of luck to all concerned.

News from the Regions

As the calendar year draws to a close, the Macra calendar is in full swing. It’s all go at the moment with the Cork County Final of the Novice debating taking place in Ballinagree on Saturday the 03rd of December. The two teams taking part included Bantry from the Carbery division and Milstreet representing Muskerry Macra na Feirme. Milstreet were victorious and celebrations carried on in to the small hours at the Muskerry Christmas Party. Well done to all teams who have taken part in the competition over the last number of weeks.

Friday the 9th of December welcomes the Cork County round of the Capers competition, which takes place in the Edel Quinn Hall in Kanturk. This year see a rise in the number of enteries at a local level and a great night entertainment is in store for all which is a fantastic achievement for the county.

Start your New Year's Eve in style with celebrating the end of a fantastic 2011 and welcoming the new one with Carrigaline Macra. The Ball will take place at Cork Airport International Hotel starting with a mulled wine and fruit punch drinks Reception on arrival at 7.30pm. For more information contact Ollie Cronin on 086-8974388.
If you are interested in finding out more or joining Macra, take a look at www.macra.ie or visit Cork Macra on Facebook, alternatively you can contact Margaret Galvin on 086-3497934.

Seandun Macra

Glenville’s Table Quiz Night

Current affairs, Science and Nature and Famous People were among topics in the quiz held on Friday night in Kade’s County Bar, Glenville by Glenville Macra na Feirme. Clubs from all over the region had representatives competing on the night for the top prize. DJ James O’Donovan was the quiz master for the night and put the crowd thinking with the vast range of questions. There were prizes galore with a raffle at halftime too.

In the final count, Leeside Macra na Feirme’s team were in second place receiving a cash prize of €50. The winners were the Whitechurch team of Bernie O’Mahony, Catriona O’Connor, John O’Sullivan and Gerard O’Reilly. Receiving a cash prize of €100.

Well done to all the organisers on a very entertaining night. Proceeds from the night will help fund Glenville Macra’s dinner dance in the new year.




Forth coming events in Seandún:

- The Seandún Macra na Feirme Christmas Mystery tour takes place 17th December. It has been two years since the region last had a chance to celebrate together as the event had to be cancelled last year due to freezing weather conditions. Further information available through the Seandún Facebook page in due course.

- 28th January – Seandún Macra will head to Cork on Ice.

- 7th-14th January – Seandún Macra na Feirme are heading to the slopes of Soll in Austria on a skiing trip this year. With 22 members booked to travel, it promises to be a fantastic holiday.

If you wish to locate a club near you to join, please leave a message at seandun.seandunmacra.macra@gmail.com.

Avondhu Macra - Update

First Fermoy Macra Meeting.
The inaugural meeting for Fermoy Macra is the 2nd of December, at 8.30 p.m. in the east room of Fermoy Youth centre. Please contact Gerry Murphy (087 9315783) or Aisling Lewis (087 1327121) for further details. This is an informal meeting for anyone interested in agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts and community involvement.

Regional Meeting
The regional Avondhu Macra meeting took place in Ned Roche’s Bar on the 15th of November. National Macra President Alan Jagoe commented on the rejuvenation of Avondhu Macra. In addition, Alan commended Mike O’Regan for his outstanding commitment to Macra. Mike’s determination and hard work has contributed in a large way, to the strong foundations, on which Avondhu Macra stands today. The next regional meeting will take place in Kanturk Heritage Centre, Kanturk on the 5th of December.

Capers Final in Kanturk
The regional final for Capers takes place on the 9th of December in the Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk. Best of luck to all taking part. Capers is a light entertainment show, showcasing the very best in comedy, singing, dancing and drama. Nine teams from throughout county Cork will be competing for the prestigious title of Cork County Capers winners, in front of a guaranteed packed house.
For those interested in advertising in the show programme, please contact Louise Bourke (087 6729648) €30 for half page; €50 for full page.

National Public Speaking and Impromptu Public Speaking Semi-Finals
The Freemount Public Speaking emerged victorious last night in the National semi-finals of public speaking The team, consisting of Claire O'Flynn, Emma Cronin and Marie Murphy, defeated teams from Galway, Fethard Co Tipperary and Croom County Limerick. The judges had no easy task to separate the four teams, who stood up and gave four fantastic presentations. Freemount's topic was 'if I need Religion, I’ll ask for it'. The Freemount team now go through to the National Finals which will be held on the 10th of December in Trim, Co. Meath. We wish them and their team coach Noeleen Buckley the very best of luck.

A huge well done also to Marie Murphy ( Freemount) and Kieran Butler ( Banteer) who did the region proud in the Impromptu public speaking.

Avondhu Regional Ploughing
Avondhu Regional Ploughing competition, in association with the Banteer Ploughing Association Annual Match, was held on Sunday the 27th of December on the farm of Michael Martin O’Flynn, Dromtariffe. Congratulations to David Murphy (Banteer), who qualified for the Macra Class in the National Ploughing Championships.

Carrigaline Macra Na Feirme

Carrigaline Macra Na Feirme are holding their annual dinner dance locally in the Carrigaline Court hotel. It will be held on Friday 15th April. Chilled fruit punch reception @ 8.30pm. Dinner will be served at 9pm sharp. Tickets are on sale at €30 each and past member Donal Crowley will be D.J. on the night. Guest speaker is local man and newly elected T.D. Minister for Agriculture and Marine Simon Coveney. We are hoping to continue on from our tremendous 50th dinner last year where over 390 members attended a highly successful dance. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact P.R.O John on 0866066253 or club secretary Niall on 0877529027.

Avondhu Notes

Freemount Macra had outstanding sucess at the recent National Talent Competition Semi Final held last weekend in Bru Boru in Cashel. In the face of stiff copmetition all four Freemount Acts, which competed in the Ballad Group, Modern Dance, Set Dancing and Novelty Act got through to the National Finals. This was an oustanding achievement in light of the fact that out of the 18 participants, 11 of these were first time entrants in the competition. This year the National Final will be held in the National Concert Hall on the 1st of May. All supporters are asked to turn out and cheer the group on. Contact Louise on 087-6729648 to book accomodation. We wish Freemount all the very best in the National Finals! The group is well on their way to exceeding the record set by them last year where they won three of the eight national titles in the final. The Freemount members' competing in the National Final are:
Modern Dancing- Ella O Dwyer, Tim O Callaghan, Mary Anne Murphy, Miriam Angland, Olivia Roche, Daniel Roche, Aileen Punch and Claire Mulcahy.

Set Dancing- Mary Anne Murphy, Eileen Murphy, Miriam Angland, Aileen Punch, Michael Buckley, Louise Bourke, Daniel Roche and Olivia Roche.

Ballad Group- Christine O Riordan, Ella O Dwyer, Louise Bourke and Miriam Angland.

Novelty Act- Nicholas O Donoghue, Brendan Buckley, Tim O Callaghan, Danny Lane, Niall Ahern, Tom Murphy, Louise Bourke and Margaret Collins.


Mitchelstown Macra hosts Races for the Guide Dogs
Mitchelstown Macra held a very succesful fundraiser for the Irish Guide Dogs last weekend in Auntie Mae's Mitchelstown. A big thank you to all involved particularly those who bought tickets. All the proceeds will go to an extremely worthy cause.

Macra Na Feirme elects new president

Macra na Feirme has a new president and guess where he is from???? CORK

Alan Jagoe, a 28 year old dairy, beef and tillage farmer from Carrigaline Co. Cork, who has been a member of Carrigaline Macra club for nine years, and is currently Macra na Feirme President of Seandun has been declared the 33rd Macra na Feirme National President.

Speaking after the results of the election, Mr. Gowing said, “Congratulations to all the candidates, in particular those who have been elected. It was a great election and I’m delighted that the leadership of Macra will continue to be of the highest standard.” Alan’s presidential term will run from his inauguration at the Macra na Feirme national AGM held on May 7th in Cavan, kindly sponsored by Lakeland Dairies, and run until May 2013.

Current National President Michael Gowing congratulated Alan on his appointment and wished him well during his term of office. Results were also announced in the vice-presidential elections for Macra’s three regions, Munster, Leinster and the North West.

Kieran O’Dowd from South Sligo Macra club was declared the winner in the North-West race while William Holohan from Mullinavat Macra club in Kilkenny has been elected as Leinster vice-president.

They join Tommy Moyles from Ballinascarthy Macra club who was elected unopposed for the Munster position.

The three new vice-presidents will take up their positions alongside president-elect, Alan, at Macra's AGM.

News from the County

Here are a few upcoming events in Cork Macra please forward email onto club and regional members:

*Best of luck to all Cork Macra entries in this weekend’s National Talent Competition Finals in Bru Boru in Cashel on Sunday night!!!

*The Cork County Titles night is being held in Innishannon House Hotel on Saturday the 2nd April 2011 at 9pm. All are welcome along as contestants from Avondhu, Carbery, Imokilly, Muskerry and Seandun battle it out to be crowned one of 4 titles on the night. The titles on offer are Cork Miss Macra, Cork Blue Jean Country Queen, Cork Queen of the Land and Cork Mr Personality. The judges on the night are Author Alice Taylor, County Mayor Kevin Murphy, and Macra presidential candidate Alan Jagoe. There will be a DJ till late along with food and spot prizes!

*Kinsale Macra na Feirme will host a table quiz in the Huntsman Bar in Belgooly on Friday, 1st April at 8.00pm. Kinsale’s club was newly re-established about a year and a half and competed in their first national final in NDC Basketball last weekend. Please come along and support this event which will have a raffle and lots of spot prizes on the night. Everyone is welcome to attend

*On Fri 1st April Berrings Macra will be holding a Variety Concert at Inniscarra Community Centre.
A great night's entertainment for all the family is guaranteed. The line-up will include local bands
and Macra clubs, featuring Trína Chéile, Something Simple, Crookstown Macra, Freemount Macra &
ICA among others. Following success at the recent Cork Macra National Talent Contest County Final
Berrings Macra will have many talented performers on stage, including the Capers Act which came
2nd in the All Ireland Final. Tickets will be available at the door, adults €8 & kids €2 with proceeds
going to Berrings Macra, Penny Dinners and Inniscarra Community Centre. Show starts at 8PM.

*Terelton Macra Na Feirme will host a Table Quiz on Friday 8th of April at 8pm in Foley's Bar,
Terelton. Team of 4 €20. Everyone Welcome. Spot prizes on the night!!! All proceeds on the night
will go to Mary Mount Hospice.


*Carrigaline Macra are now selling tickets for their dinner dance. It will be held in Carrigaline Court Hotel on the 15th April. €30 euro is the price. Tickets bought by 28th march will be entered into a draw for a night’s stay in the hotel the night of the dinner dance at a cost of €70 pps breakie incl!!!

Last Chance to Enter: Stephen Cullinan Scholarship

The Stephen Cullinan Scholarship funded by The Irish Farmers Journal, now in its 33rd year, will be sending two successful candidates who are interested in pursuing a fulltime career in agriculture to New Zealand to work and gain experience of New Zealand farming methods. The scholarship is open to any young farmer from the North or South of Ireland over 18 and under 30 years of age on 1 January 2011.

The scholarship was founded by the Agricultural Trust in memory of Stephen Cullinan, founder and first secretary of Macra na Feirme and also first editor of what is today’s Irish Farmers’ Journal.

The scholarship will start in July and the work placement and will be for a minimum of 6 months, with flights valid for a year.

If you know someone or are yourself interested in pursuing a career in farming and in a position to spend 12 months abroad text “Macra” followed by your name and address to 51444 for further information.

Cork County National Talent Competition

The Five regions of Cork County headed to the County Final of the Cork County round of the National Talent Competition on Sunday night. It was a fantastic night with the number of entries and standard at an all time high. Thanks to all who supported and to the hosting county for a fantastic night.

Results will be posted in the next blog.

well done to all competitors and best of luck to those who are going forward to the next round.

Avondhu Macra HAS TALENT

Avondhu Macra had a fantastic night's entertainment in the Hazel Tree where the region held their National Talent and Titles Night.The standard was phenomenal and judges on the night Dan Twomey, John Paul O'Shea and Denis Walsh had no easy task in deciding the winners.



The night was MC'd by Tommy Moyles whos quick wit and comic turn of phrase made the personality interviews and indeed the whole night full of laughs and entertainment. Regional Chairperson Caitriona Fox said that it was fantastic to see such a great turn out, particularly since there has not been a regional Titles or Talent Competition held in the last five years. It was outstanding to see the region once again return to its former glory.



The following competitors will be going forward to represent the Avondhu Region at the National Talent Competition County Final on the 13th of March in Carrigtouhill.



Solo Singing: Ella O'Dwyer (Freemount)

Ballad Group: Christine O'Riordan, Louise Bourke and Ella O'Dwyer (Freemount)

Mastermind: Kieran O'Connell (Awbeg)

Solo Instrumental: Caitriona Fox (Ballyhoura)

Novelty Act: Margaret Collins, Nicholas O'Donoghue, Brendan Buckley, Tom Murphy, Tim O'Callaghan, Niall Ahern and Louise Bourke (Freemount)

Set Dancers: Freemount

Modern Dancers: Freemount

Comedy Duo: Ballyhoura



Also going forward to represent the region in the Personality Competitions

Miss Blue Jeans: Brid Anne O'Donoghue (Freemount)

Miss Macra: Niamh Carey (Mitchelstown)

Queen of the Land: Jacinta McCarthy (Mitchelstown)

Mr. Personality: Aidan O'Brien (Mitchelstown)



Nat Quiz Final

The team from Freemount went to represent the region in the Nat Quiz Final in Dungarven. The team was made up of Liz Duggan, John Duggan, Mary Anne Murphy and Marie Murphy. Although they didn't bring home any trophies, they did their club, and region proud.



Banteer Leg Waxing and Head Shaving Night for Chernobyl

Banteer Macra will be holding a Leg Waxing and Head Shaving night for Chernobyl on Fri next, the 25th of February @ 9pm in Lynes' Bar Cecilstown. All of the members have sponsorship cards, and all the proceeds will go to a very worthy cause.



Play in Tullylease

Best of luck to Freemount Members John Duggan and Moses Roche, who take to the stage next weekend in the Tullylease Drama 'Fortunes and Misfortunes'. We wish the cast and crew the very best of luck for the run. The play will be on Saturday 26th of Feb, Sun 27th Feb, Thurs 3rd March, Sat 5th March and Sun 6th March, Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for students and are available on the door. Freemount Macra will be heading on force to the opening night and the more the merrier to join them!



Debating

Best of luck to the Mitchelstown and Ballyhoura debating teams who will take part in the first rounds of debating next weekend. The Mitchelstown Team of Aisling Lewis, Gerry Griffin, Michael Rea and Valerie Rice who will take on Ballycoog. Meanwhile, Ballyhoura's team of Maria Roche, Dan O'Connell, Abina McCarthy and Liz O'Connell will also be competing.



Ploughing Workshop

Next Sunday (27th Feb) there will be a plouging workshop held in Kilworth at 12pm. This is to help prepare for the ploughing final due to be held the 13th of March in Two Pot House, Mallow. For further enquiries please contact Ger Griffin on 087-6534567.

Macra trip to the Highland Show

Are you interested in a trip that Macra's Rural Youth Initiative committee are organizing to the highland show?

Book your own flights and Macra will organize accommodation for the 24th and 25th of June costing only €100.

Email ddillon@macra.ie with expressions of interest!

Muskerry Macra had a fantastic trip last June and is highly recommended!!

Whitechurch Macra Na Feirme’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

Whitechurch Macra Na Feirme’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebrations.
This anniversary will be marked with the holding of a Dinner Dance to honour the occasion.

The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Saturday 12th March 2011
Location: Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Cork
Time: Evening commences at 7.00 with a drinks reception followed by a generous 5 course meal
Band: The Bowen Brothers followed by DJ
Ticket: € 40 per person

Tickets: We do ask that each club could inform us of the number of those wishing to attend by Friday 4th March (or sooner if at all possible!) to allow us to give exact numbers to the hotel. We would also appreciate if clubs could collect money on behalf of their members and send us a cheque for the required tickets and the names of those wishing to attend.


If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact
Victor O'Sullivan 087-7942504 (Club Chairperson) or
Sean Twomey 085-7313702 (Club Secretary)

Ballyhoura Macra

Ballyhoura Macra heading to next round of debating competition
Last week our debating team of Maria Roche, Dan O'Connell, Abina Mc Carthy,Liz O'Connell competed in the regional round of senior debating. The motion was That Ireland is not youth friendly. They opposed the motion. In the end it was a really tough call for the judges but the motion was carreid. They competed against Mitchelstown club. Ballyhoura is now heading to the next round which will be held in the coming weeks.


QUESTION TIME
Ballyhoura's team consisting of Dan Hennessy, Mark Hannon, Joe Bermingham and John Stephen Roche has gone through to the next round of Kerrygold Club Question Time which will take place on February 19th in the Ramanda Hotel, Waterford. Sign in time is from 7 -7.30 p.m. Best of Luck to the lads from all members and friends of Ballyhoura Macra. If anyone is interested in going down on the night to support them please contact John on 086-3882227.

BASKETBALL
We try to accomodate all our members who are from different areas by varying the venue each time. In recent weeks we have had training session in CBS, Mitchelstown, Nagle Rice Secondarty School, Doneraile, T.O. Park and St. Mary's School, Malllow. Come along to our next training session this Sunday February 27th in CBS Hall, Mitchelstown 7pm to 8pm. Contact Maria Roche on 086-3653484 for more information.

REGIONAL AWARDS NIGHT
Ballyhoura Macra hosted this year's regional awards night. On the night, trophies for the winning teams and individuals in regional competitions were given out. Mike Manley , Munster Vice President of Macra presented the awards. Regional Chairperson , Caitríona Fox (of Ballyhoura Macra), congratulated all participants and winners for their outstanding achievements during the year. Ballyhoura Club Chairman, Dan Hennessy, thanked everyone for coming and thanked Walsh's Bar for having us on the night. We danced and sang the night away with lovely music provided by Tommy O'Brien. Sincere thanks to Tommy.

Awards on the night for Ballyhoura members were as follows: Best Speaker Award in Public Speaking Competition 2010: Caitriona Fox ; Farm Skills Regional Winners: Derek O'Connor, Liam Mc Donald and Dan Hennessy; 2010 Regional Vollyball winners and Girls Basketball winners; Miss Macra: Aoife Ladd, Queen of the Land : Jessica Barrett. Best Speaker Award in Senior Debating 2011: Abina Mc Carthy.

Upcoming events:
Feb 18th: Regional Titles night and National Talent competition in Hazel Tree Mallow 19th Feb Question Time Quiz Nat Final (Ballyhoura competing) ; 25th Feb Banteer Leg Waxing and Head Shaving. Mar 7th: Regional Meeting. More details soon.

CONTACT BALLYHOURA MACRA
To contact Ballyhoura Macra call/text our secretary, Gráinne on 087-7799218, our chairperson , Dan on 086-8480560 or ballyhouramacra@o2.ie. Check out www.facebook.com/ballyhouramacra. If you’d like to join give us a text, call or e-mail.

Seandún Young Farmers Discussion Group with IFAC Meeting

Seandún Macra na Feirme are hosting a meeting in association with IFAC Accountants on 24th February, at 8.00PM in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island. Topics for discussion will include: Succession Planning for young Farmers, Taxation for Young Farmers, Interpreting Accounts, Budgeting for Farm Profit, and Question and Answer Session. This is an ideal opportunity to get relevant advice on important topics for young farmers. Please email David O’Leary, Chairman of Seandún YFDG on david_oleary88@hotmail.com. This meeting is open to everyone and all are welcome to attend.

Mitchelstown take Avondhu Regional Debating Title

A tense night of outstanding debating took place on Tuesday the 8th of February in the Fir Grove, Mitchelstown. The standard was phenomenally high, and judge Flor O'Gorman had no easy task to determine the overall winner. The scores were very tight all down the line but victory finally went to Mitchelstown, who proposed the night's motion that "The Ireland of today, is not youth friendly." The best speaker award was presented to Bina McCarthy from the Ballyhoura team. Congratulations to both teams on an oustanding night's entertainment and we wish both teams the very best of luck as they progress to the next round on Sat the 26th of February. A big thank you also to Pat Coakley from the Awbeg club who presided over the competition on the night.

Avondhu Regional Awards
The Avondhu Regional Awards night will take place on Fri the 11th of February @ 9pm in Walsh's bar Kildorrerry. Further details and award winners to follow:

Election of National President

Macra na Feirme Presidential & Vice-Presidential Election Hustings 2011

Macra na Feirme has a national president as well as a national executive and national council. There are three vice-presidents.

The Macra president and vice-presidents carry out a two year term so 2011 is a Macra election year.

Traditionally, the presidential candidates attend hustings throughout the country. This is an opportunity for Macra members to meet the candidates and ask them questions.

Please see below the date and location of the husting for your area. All meetings will start at 8pm.

Dates:

Thursday 3rd March 2011, North-West -
Carrick-on-Shannon - Bush Hotel

Tuesday - 8th March 2011, Leinster- Kilkenny
–Newpark Hotel- Kilkenny

Thursday 10th March 2011, Munster-
Mitchelstown – Firgrove Hotel

Tuesday 15th March 2011, North-
West-Claremorris – McWilliam Park Hotel

Tuesday , 22nd March 2011, Leinster,
Navan – Ardboyne Hotel

Thursday ,24th March 2011, Munster-
Limerick – Kilmurry Lodge Hotel

Date's for your Macra Diary

12 &13th Feb - Cork County Drama (Sat night: Glanmire A, Leeside, Carrigaline. Sun night: Whitechurch, Glanmire B, Clonakilty, Knockraha) - Muskerry to host in the Briery Gap, Macroom. Saturday night starting @8pm and at 7.30pm sharp on Sun night.

13th Mar - Cork County Final of National Talent ...Competition - Imokily to host in Carrigtwohill Community Centre.

2nd April - Cork County Titles Night (Carbery to host)

14th May - Cork County End of year Party in Reardan's!!!!!

Hope to see you there!!!!

Avondu Notes

Freemount GAA Concert

Freemount Macra took part in the Freemount GAA Concert last Friday night. There they put on their capers show entitled 'Happy Days.' Produced by Michael O'Regan and Louise Bourke, the show involved a variety of music, singing, dancing and comedy. The 14 member cast plus their backstage crew will be representing Avondhu in the National Finals of the Capers competition on Saturday the 29th of January in Cappoquin in Waterford. The cast members are:Aileen Punch, Christine O’Riordan, Cian Daly, Daniel Roche, Ella O’Dwyer, Kate Bourke, Louise Bourke, Marie Murphy, Mary Anne Murphy, Michael O’Regan, Miriam Angland, Niall Ahern, Tim O’Callaghan, Willie O’Regan, Danny Lane, Joanne Moylan, Moses Roche, Olivia Roche and Thomas Murphy. We wish them all the very best of luck in the final where they will face stiff opposition from Bree, Berrings, Ballinascarthy, Limerick and Rathdowney, Co. Laois. Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for students. Please pre-book them in advance by contacting Louise at avondhumacra@gmail.com.



Cork Macra 60th Dinner Dance



Avondhu Macra was out in force at the Cork Macra Dinner Dance celebrating 60 years. A great night was had by all, and a big thank you to the Cork Committee James Healy, Michelle O'Callaghan, Margaret Galvin and Caitriona Fox for organising an outstanding event.



Table Quiz in Aid of Kanturk Hospital

On Fri the 28th of January, Banteer Macra are hosting a table quiz in support of Kanturk Hospital in the Glen Theatre Banteer at 8.30pm. This is the first big event run by the recently revived club and we wish them all the best. Four people to each team and the cost is €20 per team. The winning team on the night will earn a fantastic top prize of €100!! Light refreshments will also be available on the night. Please support a very worthy cause. For further information please email banteermacra@gmail.com.



Avondhu Regional EGM

On Monday the 31st of January Avondhu Macra will be having their EGM @ 8pm in the Crossroads, Buttevant. This will be followed by the February meeting @ 9pm. All are welcome.

Whitechurch Macra 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance

A fantastic night to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Whitechurch Macra. Mulled wine drinks reception on arrival followed by a 5-course meal. Entertainment provided by The Bowen Brothers and DJ til late.
A discount rate is also available for anyone wishing to stay at the hotel for the night, the hotel also has self catering houses available on the hotel grounds.
Tickets are €40pp. For more information and tickets contact any of the following. Sean 0857313702 ; Victor 0877942504 ; Ciara 0879742561 or Barry 0871259538
Looking forward to seeing you all there for a great night!

Macra launches Youth Employment Resource

Brian Purcell, a judge from the popular TV3 series, The Apprentice, has launched Macra's free e-book for young people seeking employment. The ebook gives practical advice for those seeking employment, or hoping to climb the ladder, during the current economic climate. The resource was written for Macra by Fidelma Wallace and Liam Horan of Sli Nua Careers, a Galway-based career guidance company.
For more info visit http://macra.ie/stories/show/1308

Cork Teams battle for Macra na Feirme Public Speaking Title

After an extremely entertaining evening of speechmaking, the team from Glanmire Macra, Seandun, Co. Cork were named this year's Public Speaking champions while Freemount Macra, Avondhu came second. The team from Glanmire included Marella Fitzgerald, Bertie Cuffe and Caitriona O’Connor.

This year's final of the Public Speaking competition took place last Saturday, the 15th in the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow. The team from Glanmire have now won themselves places on the Macra Prize-winner’s Trip which will take place later this year.

The winner of the Best Speaker Award on the night was Mary Phelan from Camross Macra in Laois.

Speaking at the final, Michael Gowing, Macra na Feirme National President, said, “Congratulations to the Glanmire team on their win. I commend all four teams who made it to the final of the competition. Macra’s speaking competitions are held in high regard and I encourage all members to get involved in these competitions in the future.”

At a local level, what do Macra clubs do??

So what do the Macra Clubs in Cork County actually do? Click on the following links to see an example of 2 clubs who have reached the final of the Club of the Year competition over the last few years!


www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CUgfmjFg8U - Knockraha

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qod6lixRn4I - Innishannon

Three Cork Teams Reach National Final of FBD Capers Competition.

Best of luck to Ballinascathy, Berrings & Freemount in the National final this weekend.

Read more on www.macra.ie

Cork Ladies reach final of the Bank of Ireland National Leadership Awards

Congratulations to Deirdre Healy for reaching the final 6 in the Leadership Distinction Awards and to Michelle O' Callaghan who received an award on the night.

Michelle has held many positions in her club and region and is now County Secretary. It is evident to all the amount of hard work that she has put in to Macra and is truly deserving of her prize. No doubt we will be seeing lots more of her as the Seandun Rally approaches.

Deirdre of the Glanmire club is also a very hardworking member who has held many positions and I'm sure we will see her in the top 6 again very shortly.

It was a huge achievement for both and shows just how strong Cork Macra is having 2 members in the final 6. Well done girls!!

Cork County Macra 60th Anniversay Dinner Dance

Current Cork Macra members celebrating at the Radisson Blu Hotel Little Island on January 22nd 2011

Cork County Macra Executive 2010-2011

Chairperson: James Healy(Donoughmore, Muskerry)
Secretary: Michelle O' Callaghan (Knockraha, Seandun)
PRO: Margaret Galvin (Crookstown, Muskerry)
Treasurer: Caitriona Fox (Ballyhoura, Avondu)

What is Macra na Feirme

Macra na Feirme is committed to the personal development of members and puts emphasis on social interaction and participation.

Macra na Feirme was founded in 1944 by Stephen Cullinan, a rural science teacher. The organisation's original purpose was to provide young farmers with adequate training to ensure their livelihood and to provide an outlet for socialising in rural areas.


Macra na Feirme was adopted as the official title of the organisation in December 1946. 'Macra' means stalwarts or the elite and 'na Feirme' means of the land.

Over 250,000 young people have passed through the ranks of Macra na Feirme. Much has changed since those early days; young people have different priorities now and need new challenges, which Macra today tries to provide.


Currently Macra na Feirme has 9,000 members in 300 clubs. Approximately one-third of Macra members are involved in farming, with males making up 60% of the membership and females 40%.


Macra is a democratic organisation and every member is entitled to air their opinions at club, regional and national level.

Macra na Feirme Established
* The Irish Farmers Journal
* Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Associateion
* Macra na Tuaithe (now Foroige)
* National Farmers' Association (now IFA)
* Farm Apprenticeship Scheme
* Irish Farm Accounts Co-op (IFAC)
* National Co-operative Farm Relief services Ltd