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