Limerick Macra gets in top gear for the ‘National Rally’

Louise Crowley, Limerick IFA chair; Ashley Primrose, Rally committee; James Tangney, chair of Kinisla; Pat Murphy, Kinisla CEO, Josephine O'Neill, Macra president; Elaine Houlihan, Rally chair; James O'Connell, Kinisla; Ciaran Sexton, Limerick Macra chair | PICTURE: EAMON DOODY

placeholder image — Louise Crowley, Limerick IFA chair; Ashley Primrose, Rally committee; James Tangney, chair of Kinisla; Pat Murphy, Kinisla CEO, Josephine O'Neill, Macra president; Elaine Houlihan, Rally chair; James O'Connell, Kinisla; Ciaran Sexton, Limerick Macra chair | PICTURE: EAMON DOODY

Landmark 60th National Autumn Conference to take place in Adare in October

MACRA has launched its landmark 60th National Autumn Conference, known as the “Rally”, which will take place from Friday to Sunday, October 23-25, at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare.

Hosted by Limerick Macra and supported by Kinisla as main sponsor, this milestone event will bring together hundreds of young people from across Ireland for a weekend of competitions, social events, farm visits and the national conference, celebrating the very best of Macra and rural Ireland.

The official launch welcomed representatives from Macra, Limerick Macra, Kinisla and invited guests to unveil plans for the organisation's flagship annual event.

The occasion also marked the 60th anniversary of the “National Rally's” move to the October Bank Holiday weekend, a move that happened in County Kerry in 1966 due to renovations in the hotel for the then called “summer rally”. Since then, it has remained one of the highlights of the Macra calendar each autumn.

Chairperson of the National Rally committee, Elaine Houlihan, said Limerick Macra is delighted to host this year’s National Rally, marking 10 years since we last welcomed this prestigious event to the county.

"The rally committee has been working tirelessly to create a memorable weekend, and we are excited for members from across the country to experience everything we have planned, along with a few special surprises.

"I would like to sincerely thank Kinisla for its generous support as main sponsor, which has played a vital role in making this milestone event possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Limerick for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of Macra and rural Ireland,” said Elaine.

This year's Rally will feature a packed programme of competitions, educational events, farm visits, networking opportunities, social activities and special 60th anniversary celebrations. Members will also attend the National Conference, with discussions on issues affecting young farmers and rural youth, while the weekend will conclude with a gala banquet and presentation of the Club of the Year and Best New Member awards.

It will be a significant economic boost to County Limerick, welcoming hundreds of members and visitors.