Macra pioneer attends anniversary dance

MORE than 60 years after he first set foot on local farms as an agricultural advisor, 87-year-old Dr Harry Spain was given a standing ovation from farmers and Macra members at the 60th Anniversary Dinner of Kilmallock Macra.

A founder of Macra, he joined the birthday celebrations for the only survivor of the three young farmer's clubs which united in 1944 to found the national organisation.

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, he told the overflow gathering at Bulgaden Castle that he believed keeping a strong farmer base in the membership had been the key to the survival of Kilmallock Macra.