Glanmire speak up and take top prize
Macra na Feirme is known thoughout the country for producing confident and articulate public speakers, many of whom have gone on to represent themselves and their communities in politics, business, and agricultural life.
The All-Ireland final took place at the McWilliam Park Hotel, in Claremorris, Co Mayo, and the team, from the Seandún region, shone with the gift of the gab.
Speaking on the topic “That social media is the best form of Communication”, many interesting viewpoints were expressed on the night, with the team hugely impressing the adjudicators.
A team from Muskerry’s Donoughmore Macra, made up of Emily O’Donovan, Meig Collins, and Tom Carroll also competed, speaking on the topic: “It is hypocritical to be opposed to hunting if you are a meat eater”.
Macra national president Kieran O’Dowd was on hand to present the Glanmire trio with the Rory Murphy Perpetual Trophy.
Karen Cashman was also awarded the best speaker accolade, much to the delight of a group of hardcore Glanmire Macra supporters who made the trip to Mayo for the prestigious competition.
It was the second time the club accepted the top prize, last bringing home the title in 2011.
The standard on the night was very high, with Termonfeckin Macra from Louth also competing.
The team from Hill Sixteen Dublin Macra took the title of national runners-up.
The national final of impromptu public speaking also took place in Co Mayo, with Siobhan Kelleher, Knockraha, and Tom Carroll, Donoughmore, putting in fantastic performances.
Adam de Burca of Enfield Macra took the top prize, with Jennifer Flaherty in second place.
All those who were successful on the night also won a place on the Macra prize winner’s trip which will take place late next year.
The trip is a highlight on the annual Macra calendar, and sees winners of all national competitions travel to a destination in Europe for a weekend.
This year the prize winners’ trip in October saw members travel to Berlin. Other destinations have included Budapest and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Glanmire’s winning streak continued last week at the Seandún round of Capers.
This variety entertainment competition, for teams of up to 15, gives members an inexpensive means of learning to perform on stage.
The local round took place last week at Éire Óg GAA Club in Ovens, Co Cork.
The club’s team, ‘Fliuch ’n’ Wet’, came in first place, with Carrigaline Macra crowned runners-up. Kinsale Macra also took part on the night.
Glanmire also won best act with ‘Frozen’, and the club’s Daniel O’Regan won best director.
The successes have rounded off a huge year for the Glanmire club, which was crowned runner-up in the prestigious AIB Club of the Year Competition in October at a gala ceremony in Portlaoise.
