Since its foundation in November 1991, Kilmacow Macra has enjoyed a decade of great success. Not only has it been one of the most dynamic and progressive Macra branches in the country, but it has proved to be an important social and educational outlet for more than 120 young people from Kilmacow and the surrounding areas.

Those who were involved in the setting up of Kilmacow Macra must have wondered what they were getting involved in. Not only had there never been a branch of Macra in Kilmacow before, but most of the original members had no idea of what becoming a member of Macra entailed. Following an advertising campaign and the help of Kilkenny County Macra Executive, a group of interested people were rounded up and the fledgling club was up and running.

Those early days were certainly very interesting. Through a mixture of trial and error, the club began to find its feet, and soon began to make its mark on the county scene. Competition success quickly followed and Kilmacow achieved honours in sports, fashion, quiz and talent competitions. Most important of all, however, were the many social nights out and trips away that the club members enjoyed. Some of the lads even took advantage of a holiday (organised by Kilkenny County Executive) to visit the Sunshine State of Florida. Not only had Kilmacow Macra begun to make its mark as a club, but many strong and lasting friendships were formed.

The early years were hugely successful. Kilmacow quickly became one of the strongest Macra branches, not just in its own county, but nationwide. Some of the competitions proved to be extremely successful for the club, with Dublin City Talent, Make and Model, Mastermind, Question Time and various other events giving the members opportunity to represent their county. The great social nights continued and Kilmacow visited almost every corner of Ireland. Community involvement also grew, with tree planting in the Sports Complex, Faith Friends, Fundraising events for charity and what would become an annual Sponsored Cycle for Rosedale Residential Home for the elderly.

The middle of the decade saw Kilmacow step up its annual campaign to recruit new members. New faces not only supply fresh impetus, but indeed are the lifeblood of any organisation. Some of the original members had begun to drift away and it became imperative to replace them as smoothly as possible. In this regard Kilmacow were lucky, and those charged with recruitment should be congratulated for a job well done. Apart from a few hiccups, the club progressed as before, with no little success and much national recognition. More competitions were undertaken and the club acquitted itself well in Public Speaking, Debating and Drama, along with the old reliables such as sport, quiz and talent competitions. Kilmacow Macra even took time out to get involved in a couple of hugely successful Parish Shows. These proved to be top class, and were a tribute not only to our own members, but also to the sadly defunct Foróige, and many talented people in the parish.

Although the club has had much success in competitions with many county titles and near misses at national level, we finally achieved our 'Holy Grail' this year when the club became national champions in Dublin City Talent's Ballad Group section. Huge credit must go to the Ballad Group for their success - a tribute to their talent and hard work - and also to those who supported them all over the country.

Looking back on the last ten years, Kilmacow Macra could only be described as a huge success. In terms of competitions, the club has enjoyed much success. More important than that however is the fact that members had the chance to take part in events they might otherwise not have been able. In true Olympic spirit the club always put taking part far ahead of the win.

Community involvement has always been strong. Club members try to attend and take part in as many local events as possible. Our annual Sponsored Cycle for Rosedale is a great event and enjoyed by all who take part.

The club has been an educational outlet as well with various courses having been run for its members. Everything from Ballroom Dancing, First Aid and Self-Defence has been on our annual calendar.

It's perhaps as a social outlet however that Kilmacow Macra has been most successful. The club has long cast off the myth that Macra is some kind of 'farmers' club' for young men who sit around and discuss tractors and the price of crops.

Although Macra has a strong agricultural background, Kilmacow has proved that the organisation is open to anyone, male or female, who likes to take part and have a great time. Club members have enjoyed many social events, nights out and visited every corner of the country. Most important of all are the many long-lasting friendships that have been formed, both in our own club and nationwide.

On a final note, it remains to thank all who helped to make the club a success during the past decade. To mention individuals would risk omission, and thus do someone a great disservice. Therefore, on behalf of the club, we salute all those who gave us any assistance during the last ten years. Your help is reflected in our success. A special and heartfelt thanks must go to all those officers charged with the annual organisation and running of the club over the ten years, and most importantly to all our present and ex-members, without whom there would have been no club.

Copyright © 2001 Kilmacow Macra na Feirme.
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