Seeking to spread the gospel of Macra
Send your news for this page to macra@examiner.ie
So if you asked me a year ago what is Macra Na Feirme, I would have shrugged my shoulders and mumbled it was about being some gathering of some old farmers over a quiet pint talking cows, sheep, silage and everything in that vain. Fast forward 12 months and the gathering of farmers in a darkened corner talking all things agriculture is few and far between. And a quiet pint in Macra is another rarity!
Macra is a fantastic organisation that provides an opportunity for young adults to come together. As people get older, we part ways for pastures new where people are developing careers, relationships and world experiences — the opportunity to develop a social network of like-minded people becomes more and more scarce.
From my point of view I was recently new to Cork and starting from scratch developing a peer group. So when my housemate asked would we join Macra, I said “sure why not? Beats sitting around doing nothing”.
Now although its roots are embedded in rural Ireland, Macra, and Glanmire Macra specifically is one of the most open, inclusive organisations
that
I have ever been involved with.
Sure there are agricultural aspects to it, but in terms of everything else that goes on, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
Since my time in Macra, I have partaken in some of the following:
* Weekly sports night which has improved my physical and mental health;
* Various sports events including soccer, basketball, tag rugby and volleyball;
* Debating competitions — reigniting my interest in that particular hobby;
* Assisting elderly or less fortunate people around Christmas by delivering timber logs;
* Represented Glanmire as a contestant for Mr Personality;
* Enjoyed many good nights out with genuine lovely and slightly mad people.
So what next in my Macra life?
Firstly, I will continue to sing its praises in terms of an all inclusive organisation. In the last few months, I have bought new people to the weekly sports night, some of whom have become fully-fledged Macra members. Glanmire Macra is continuously looking for new members and from my experience I can only recommend getting involved.
Recently I have been elected as the joint PRO officer of Glanmire Macra. In this role I am responsible for communicating through traditional and social mediums. I am using this opportunity to highlight my first year in Macra and hopefully encourage others to join this fantastic organisation.
So now when I am asked “what is Macra na Feirme?”, I’ll respond with gusto that it is an organisation that aims to bring people in the late teens to their mid-30s together, through a variety of competitions, events, and outings.
Its aim is to be all inclusive to everyone. In terms of a network which facilitates growth and friendship, Macra is one of the best out there.
Sure, there is and always will be that connection to rural Ireland, but that’s not a bad thing. When you get involved in Macra, you see that people are fundamentally good, giving their spare time to support each other and the community. Any organisation that brings people together, promotes positive physical and mental health and are just a barrel of laughs in doing so deserves to be highlighted to the masses.
That’s my first year of Macra. and a big thanks to Glanmire for opening their arms and letting me in. Next round is on me!
If anyone is looking for further information on Glanmire Macra, find the club on Facebook or contact secretary Will on 087 7469447.
