Members from across the country gathered in Adare, Co Limerick, for Macra’s National Rally, hosted by Limerick Macra at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel and Spa.
The weekend celebrated the achievements, commitment and enthusiasm of Macra clubs and members, with national competitions, farm tours and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends from around the country.
The club of the year competition is one of the highlights of the rally, recognising the clubs that go above and beyond to provide opportunities for their members and make a positive contribution to their local communities.
Clubs are assessed on their development and planning, the range of activities they deliver, member participation, recruitment and retention, and their involvement in the wider community. The competition also gives clubs an opportunity to showcase their work through promotional videos, club displays and interviews with the judging panel.
Kilkenny City Macra impressed the judges to take the overall title, having also secured the Leinster club of the year award and the best club Initiative award.
The latter recognises a club event or initiative that stands out to the judges.
The regional club of the year winners were:
- Leinster: Kilkenny City Macra, Co Kilkenny
- Munster: Shannonside Macra, Co Limerick
- Northwest: Three Parishes Macra, Co Monaghan
Blackstairs Macra, Co Wexford, was named best emerging club, recognising the work being done to build and develop the club and create new opportunities for young people in its area.
The best club initiative award went to Kilkenny City Macra, Co Kilkenny.
The best new member awards also recognised members who have made a significant contribution to their clubs during their first year of membership:
- Leinster: Gavin Breen, Blackstairs Macra, Co Wexford
- Munster: Joe Hennessy, Kilmallock Macra, Co Limerick
Alongside the club awards, members put their knowledge and practical skills to the test in a number of national competitions over the weekend.
The competition winners were:
- Know Your Ag Quiz: Killoughey Macra, Co Offaly
- Sheep stock judging: Niamh Roche, Avondhu Macra
- Under 23 beef stock judging: Diarmuid Bracken, Offaly Macra
- Senior beef stock judging: Darren Murphy, Avondhu Macra
The Know Your Ag Quiz was sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal, while Bord Bia sponsored the stockjudging competitions.
Macra thanks both organisations for their support.
Congratulations to all the winners and to every club and member who took part.
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1. Kilkenny City Macra took the awards for best club initiative and Leinster club of the year before being named the overall 2026 Macra club of the year winners
Kilkenny City Macra took the awards for best club initiative and Leinster club of the year before being named the overall 2026 Macra club of the year winners Photo: Sean Blackwell
2. Joe Hennessey of Kilmallock Macra in Co Limerick was named Munster best new member
Joe Hennessey of Kilmallock Macra in Co Limerick was named Munster best new member Photo: Sean Blackwell
3. Blackstairs Macra's Gavin Breen was named Leinster best new member.jpg
Blackstairs Macra's Gavin Breen was named Leinster best new member Photo: Sean Blackwell
4. Shannonside Macra from Limerick were named Munster club of the year
Shannonside Macra from Limerick were named Munster club of the year Photo: Sean Blackwell