3 minute read
Freemount Take Home Club Of The Year Again!
Freemount Macra were crowned the National Macra Club of 2024 at the Macra National Conference held in Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas. After yet another busy year of fundraising and competitions, the North Cork club was always confident they were in with a big chance of retaining the title of Club of the Year.
However, the win still came as a massive shock to each member of the club, with celebrations ongoing since.
Fundraising was a big priority for the club this year. Over the last 12 months, a pub quiz and a tractor run were organised. The club was represented at almost all the Avondhu regional competitions and activities, such as the farm skills, question time, National Talent, basketball, volleyball etc. Club members devoted a wealth of time and effort into organising both fundraisers.
As a result of those fundraisers, the club proudly raised 6,600 for three charities; Sli Eile, Anamcara and Milford Care Centre. This meant that some of the donations would be used locally and the rest would be used to support families throughout Ireland. Members were pleased with the charities they had chosen as some of the charities are very close to both current and past members hearts.
The club’s recent success would not have been possible without the group of friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated young men and women who are always happy to take part in competitions and activities.
Freemount Macra has a sizable catchment area with members coming from Kanturk, Meelin, Boherbue, Newtownshandrum, Liscarroll, Ballyhea, Lismire, Dromcollogher, Kilbrin and of course Freemount itself.
Thanks to regular recreational activities such as clay pigeon shooting, karting, bowling, attending gigs and the Avondhu ball, the group have formed great friendships.
A special mention must be given to David Cronin and Doireann Twomey, who proudly represented the Avondhu Macra region at the Mr. Personality and Queen of the Castle festivals.
The club placed a lot of focus on club competitions this past year with some massive achievements along the way. Most recently being the farm skills competition where John, Gearoid and Michael finished second in the National finals which were held at the Tullamore show in August.
Earlier on in the year, playing the flute, Ciara Hartnett was the overall winner in the solo instrumental category in the National Talent Contest. While on the same day, the Freemount Macra set dancers came second in a separate category.
