Macra takes time out to hail bright future

THE clocks were turned back yesterday, but the thoughts of Macra na Feirme members attending their annual national rally in Bantry were focused on looking ahead.

Over 1,400 young people from all over the country travelled to the West Cork town for a bank holiday weekend of fun, games, discussions, competitions and farm visits.

There was also a visit to the Ballineen milk plant of the Carbery Group, owned by four co-op creameries, Bandon, Barryroe, Lissavaird and Drinagh.

Farming in Ireland in 2020 was the theme of a conference held as part of the rally, hosted by Carbery Regional Executive of Macra, headed by chairman Ger Collins, with Dubliner Irish Cheese as the headline sponsor.

But the fun activities at the Westlodge Hotel, the rally venue for the second time in 11 years, provided plenty of laughs.

The theme for a fancy dress opening night social was the teaser: “When I was 5, I wanted to be….”

Many of the costumes worn would have done justice to the wardrobe mistress of a blockbuster Hollywood movie set. Some were bought on eBay, others in high fashion shops and a few were found in joke stores.

A man with a Brian Cowen mask mingled with an Osama bin Laden spitting image lookalike, while Marilyn Monroe turned heads within yards of Batman and sword-brandishing characters looking as if they had just landed in Bantry Bay on a warrior ship.

Others kept closer to their childhood theme ambitions by appearing in cowboy and indian outfits, nurses’ uniforms, doctors’ attire and even agreen two-piece suits like those once worn by Aer Lingus air hostesses.

On a serious note, there were discussions about agriculture and the demands of young farmers for European and Government actions to ensure they have a bright future in the industry.

Macra president Michael Gowing even challenged Taoiseach Brian Cowen to work on his farm for a day and experience first-hand the impact that Government scheme cuts are having on young people.

Ireland South member of the European Parliament Brian Crowley officially opened the rally, organised by a 13-member committee led by Sean Ronan, Clonakilty.

Mr Crowley said there will be fewer farmers involved in agriculture by 2020 for many reasons.

“One of the greatest challenges we face is how we encourage more young people to stay in agriculture and facilitate the development of farm holdings. That is why we are constantly encouraging more and more people to be involved in farming and to show the fantastic benefits that come from it,” he said, stressing that, while there are difficulties at present, there are also opportunities.

Also in positive frame of mind was Macra national chairman Dara Kavanagh, who said at a banquet last night that the 9,000-member body, unlike the country, is not in recession.

“Macra is really growing. It’s true we are feeling the effect the economic climate is having on many of our partner companies and, indeed, on our members.

“But remember, the success of Macra is never measured by after-tax profits or capital growth.

“Indeed, our role is all the more important during times like these,” he said.