Laois Macra to celebrate 80 years with special anniversary dinner dance
Current members of Laois Macra Executive Committee
TO mark 80 years of Macra na Feirme in the county, a special anniversary dinner dance will be held in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on Saturday 14 November.
The event will bring together current and former Macra members, families, friends and supporters to mark eight decades of the organisation in Laois.
The evening will provide an opportunity to look back on the history of Laois Macra and the many members and clubs who have contributed to the organisation over the past 80 years. A collection of memorabilia and photographs will be on display throughout the evening, showcasing the people, activities and events that have formed part of Laois Macra's history.
Guests will enjoy a four-course meal, followed by live music by The Vows and dancing.
Speaking ahead of the event, Laois Macra PRO Emer Feighery said: “The 80th anniversary is a lovely opportunity to celebrate the generations of members who have been part of Macra in Laois over the past eight decades. We are really looking forward to bringing past and present members together for what promises to be a very special night. The collection of photographs and memorabilia will be a great way to look back on the history of Laois Macra, celebrating the organisation right up to current day.” The anniversary celebration will provide an opportunity for former members to reconnect with friends and fellow members, while also celebrating the continued involvement of young people in Macra across Laois today.
The roots of Laois Macra can be traced back to Mountrath, which was the first club affiliated in the county in 1946, followed by Clonaslee and Rathdowney the following year. Since then, clubs have been established across Laois at different times, creating a strong tradition of Macra involvement throughout the county.
The 80th anniversary marks an important milestone for the organisation, which has provided generations of young people with opportunities to develop new skills, get involved in their local communities, make lifelong friendships and take part in activities across agriculture, sport, music, travel and social events.
Laois has also made a significant contribution to Macra at national level, producing four national presidents, including William Bland, the organisation's first president, as well as Hugh Ryan, Pádraig Walshe and Michael Gowing.
The county and its clubs have enjoyed national recognition for their participation and success in competitions including Farm Skills, Capers, drama, stock judging, welding, creative writing, sport and public speaking, as well as club of the year and leadership awards.
The past 80 years has seen Laois Macra grow and diversify to meet the needs of its membership and their communities. The anniversary dinner dance will be an opportunity to celebrate that history, recognise the contribution of past and present members and look forward to the future of Laois Macra.
The Laois Macra 80th anniversary dinner dance will take place on Saturday 14 November at 7pm in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Tickets are available from the Laois Macra county executive or by contacting 087 2720949.
