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Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress Celebrated at International Women’s Day Lunch
Macra, in partnership with the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), hosted its third annual International Women’s Day lunch, Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress, on Thursday, 5th March 2026 at Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny. Proudly supported by FBD Insurance, the event brought together leaders and professionals from across agriculture and rural Ireland to celebrate the role of women in driving progress within the sector. Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the event combined networking, discussion and fundraising in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, with a raffle also taking place on the day. Over €8,000 was raised for the charity. Una Dillon was the...
Climate Change and Phone Bans Debated at Macra National Final
Macra’s National Debating Finals showcased the strength of young voices within the organisation, with high-quality contests in both the Novice and Senior competitions last Saturday, February 21st. In the Novice Final, Portlaoise Macra proposed the motion that mobile phones should be illegal for those under 16, with Bree Macra opposing. Bree Macra was named the overall winner. The team comprised Sarah Byrne (Chair), Edmund Casey and Mark Waters. Portlaoise Macra, represented by Sheila Keeshan (Chair), Éadaoin McEvoy and Cormac Smith, were runners-up. Sarah Byrne of Bree was awarded Best Speaker. The Senior Final saw Callan Macra propose the motion that...
Ballyhaise College Claims Top Honours at Macra & Teagasc Ag Colleges Challenge Day
The 2026 Ag Colleges Challenge Day was hosted at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan on Wednesday, 11th February. The event was organised by Teagasc and Macra, and kindly supported by FRS. Seven colleges took part in a full day of practical and skills-based competitions designed to test teamwork, technical ability and problem-solving across a range of land-based disciplines. Competing teams represented Salesian College, Ballyhaise Forestry, Ballyhaise Agriculture, Mountbellew College, Kildalton College Equine, Kildalton College Agriculture and Gurteen College. Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, was present for the event and said: "The Challenges Day is an important annual initiative...
Freemount Macra Claims Top Honours at FBD National Capers Final.
The FBD National Capers Final took place on January 31 in Ovens, Co. Cork, hosted by Muskerry Macra, where seven clubs from across the country delivered an outstanding evening of music, drama, dance and comedy. The participating clubs were Bantry Macra, Freemount Macra, Mountmellick Macra, Kinsale Macra, Callan Macra, Kilmeen Macra and Waterfall Macra. After a highly competitive final, Freemount Macra was announced as overall winner, with Callan Macra in second place and Mountmellick Macra in third. Category winners were as follows: Best Female Performer: Moira Dineen, Freemount Macra Best Male Performer: Michael Lawlor, Callan Macra Best Act: Freemount Macra – Pub Scene...
Positive steps towards rebuilding confidence in Bord Bia at stakeholder dialogue
Macra welcomes today's dialogue with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on key issues affecting farmers. As part of this significant engagement, the organisation welcomes positive first steps in resolving the continued issues surrounding Bord Bia in the form of constructive proposals to rebuild confidence in Bord Bia and give greater input of farmer voice. Macra looks forward to continued engagement to ensure that the important issues highlighted in recent weeks are addressed. The organisation also welcomed the opportunity to highlight key issues that are facing young farmers, both currently and in the development of the new CAP...