Mountmellick Macra has announced plans to celebrate 60 years of being at "the heart of the community" since its foundation on January 3, 1966.

The celebrations will take place on May 8 and 9 and are open to all.

The club has developed from early meetings in the town hall, to evenings spent in the courthouse watching Teilifís Feirme on a rented television from the late Michael Scott, to Young’s, and finally to the club’s own Macra Hall on Patrick Street.

It was the club’s early committees that took a bold step in purchasing a former bottling factory on Patrick Street.

This building became the foundation of today’s Macra Hall, with a major extension completed in 1976 through sheer determination and pride.

Over six decades, Mountmellick Macra has remained a voluntary organisation supported by the guidance of experienced members.

It has celebrated All‑Ireland victories, endured narrow defeats, welcomed generations of new members, and become a "cornerstone of local life", the club said.

More than 50 weddings and countless lifelong friendships have grown from the club’s activities, and members continue to represent Laois with distinction at county and national level.

Investment in the club’s facilities has been a major priority for the current committee.

Recent improvements include the addition of a balcony, enhanced wheelchair accessible facilities, and a full roof repair with high‑grade insulation, made possible through grant aid and generous contributions from past and present members.

Zoe Dempsey, sub-committee public relations officer said: "60 years is a phenomenal milestone for any club, and one we simply couldn’t let pass.

"It’s also important for younger and newer members to learn about our history and where it all began.

“We have a weekend packed of activities to mark the occasion."

On Friday, May 8, a farm walk will take place on Tom Fennelly’s farm (Eircode R32 YA21) at 7.15pm. The evening will feature a range of speakers and is open to all.

On Saturday, May 9, the community is invited to the Macra Hall on Patrick Street at 12.30pm for a blessing of the hall. This is an open invitation and a chance for visitors to tour the building and learn more about its history.

The celebrations will conclude on Saturday with a gala banquet in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise at 7:00p.m. This event will offer past and present members the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate six decades of Mountmellick Macra.

Dempsey said: “Past, present, and associate members are warmly invited to join us for our anniversary events.

"Our club has always prided itself on an open door ethos, and that spirit continues into these celebrations.

"It promises to be a wonderful occasion, one not to be missed.”