Tullow Macra gets set to mark 80th anniversary
Tullow Macra club will mark its 80th anniversary with an event in Carlow town at the end of the month.
Tullow Macra was established in 1946, and Patrick Jordan, chairperson of the club's anniversary committee, said it is celebrating "80 years of memories, leadership and friendship".
He said: "In 1946, the world economy was still suffering from the after-effects of the Second World War; emigration was integral part of Irish society; and in the rural town of Tullow, a group of young farmers came together to establish Tullow Macra na Feirme.
"Much has changed over the past 80 years, but one tradition remains as strong as ever: the support and friendship shared among members."
According to Jordan, the club has "produced many great leaders" over the years in farming organisations, business and politics.
Among those are former Macra national president and ifac board chairperson Seumas O'Brien and current Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) deputy president Alice Doyle.
O'Brien is the only member in the club's history to have served as Macra national president, and he also played a major part in the leadership of CEJA, the EU young farmers group, of which Macra is a member.
The club's members came together last summer to plan "how best to celebrate" 80 years of activities.
Jordan said that "given the growing popularity of jiving across Macra nationally", the club decided to mark the occasion by hosting a "celebratory dance and jiving competition".
The event will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 8:00p.m in the Woodford Dolman Hotel just outside Carlow town. Musicians Alister Fingleton and Paddy Treacy are set to play on the night.
A number of prizes will be available for the top three performers in the jiving competition, and those that do not make it onto the 'podium' will be entered into a draw for another prize.
Food and refreshments will be provided on the night.
Jordan said: "We believe the best way to honour past members is by keeping the club alive and thriving for the future.
"The dance and jiving competition is a great way to do that, and we hope both new and past members will join us for what promises to be a fantastic night," he added.
