Club of the Year title up for grabs at Macra na Ferime annual conference
The , kicks off with a rock-stars themed fancy dress party in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ennis Road.
Members will also enjoy farm walks on Saturday, as well as tours of Thomond Park and King John’s Castle.
The beef and tillage-themed farm walk will see participants visit Donal Scully’s beef farm and SAMCO Machinery, while the dairy-themed farm walk will take in Cooper Hill and McDonnell Farm Anaerobic Digesters.
Six clubs are also in the running to be named Club of the Year — four of the clubs are flying the flag for Cork — Awbeg of the Avondhu region, Muskerry club Donoughmore, Seandún club Carrigaline, Carbery club Ballinascarthy, as well as East Laois, and Maudabawn.
The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the hard work and commitment of clubs and members in their communities.
Macra national president Seán Finan said: “Club of the year is a wonderful competition to demonstrate this work and the other important contributions members make to their local community through their Macra na Feirme clubs.”
Along with the Club of the Year competition, there is also an award for the Best New Member.
This will be presented to one individual Macra member who is deemed to have made a significant contribution to the development of the club in their first year of membership.
The Best Emerging Club Award, meanwhile, will acknowledge the achievements of newly established Macra clubs.
The main event, the annual conference, this year titled Reaching Your Farming Potential, will welcome guest speakers including Rugby star Donnacha Ryan, FBD Young Farmer winner Dermot O’Connor, and veterinary expert Dr Doreen Corridan.
The finals of the Know Your Ag quiz and stockjudging competitions will also take place. A gala banquet will be held on Sunday night to round off the weekend.
