Macra news: Social inclusion in the spotlight at fundraiser

It was lights, camera, and action at Sarsfields Hurling Pavillion when Glanmire Macra hosted their Mr and Mrs fundraising event.

Some 10 couples battled it out on the night, and were put to the test by quizmasters Daniel O’ Regan and Lorraine O’Neill.

The night, based on the popular TV show, was a huge success, with Macra national president Kieran O’Dowd even taking part with his wife Caroline.

Mr O’Dowd said: “The Glanmire Macra na Feirme Mr and Mrs competition was very enjoyable. My wife and I — while disappointed we didn’t know enough about each other to win — were delighted to see the event receiving the support of the local community which straddles both the rural and urban.”

He said the evening also highlighted both the club’s and the organisation’s social inclusion policy, as same-sex couples and non-Macra members were among those who took part. “The fact that two gay couples participated in the event is a testament to the socially inclusive nature of Macra na Feirme as an organisation and the Glanmire branch in particular.

“As a young person’s organisation, we are reflective of Irish society today and our members are drawn from a range of different backgrounds. A Macra member’s gender, religious preferences, sexual orientation, social and economic background has no bearing on their participation in the organisation.

“The common thread that unites our members is our commitment to the personal development of rural and urban young people through our key programme areas of agriculture, community involvement, performing arts, public speaking, sport and travel.”

The winning couple, after two gruelling rounds, was Julie and Denis O’Callaghan who first met 31 years ago. There were some great prizes for the winners as well as ticket holders lucky enough to be drawn in a raffle, with prizes donated by sponsors The Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, Fota Island Resort, Vienna Woods, The Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Riverview Eggs, The Elm Tree, Declan O’ Sullivan Plant Hire, and Southern Farm & Fuels.

The four Macra presidental candidates, Eamonn Cassells, Michelle O’ Callaghan, Paddy Rua Delaney, and Seán Finan also made an appearance at the event, sportingly getting involved by being quizzed on their knowledge of celebrity couples.