Macra pioneer attends anniversary dance
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.
He said it was 64 years to the day since he travelled by bus to Kilmallock in 1940, to take up his first appointment to "bring knowledge and advice" to 7,000 farmers in the Kilmallock area.
He commended Macra for the enormous role it has played in training young farmers "to be able to speak for themselves."
He recalled the astonishment of farmers in the 1940s at the suggestion of "a cow to the acre", and one house he called to where the farmer's wife said, "We don't be needing any advice to-day."
John McNamara, Chairman of the Kilmallock 60th Organising Committee said they were indebted to Dr Spain's contribution, and deeply honoured to have him as their special guest.
Macra President Thomas Honner said Kilmallock was the rock upon which Macra was founded, and he urged the young farmers of the area to ensure there always is a club in Kilmallock, because they had a tradition to be proud of and an exceptional record. He said Macra's leadership has added value to rural life.
A presentation was made to the surviving founding officer, local farmer Ned O'Leary, and to family members of other founding officers.
The attendance included former Macra president Michael J Noonan (1963-65) and his wife, Helen, and the first national organiser appointed by Macra, Peter Murphy, and his wife, Bridie.
