Raphoe Macra named Club of the Year

THE very best of Macra was on display in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, on Saturday, October 25, at the finals of the 2025 Club of the Year and Best New Member Competitions.

The cream of the Macra crop headed for Rosscarbery to take part in the finals, with clubs and members representing all corners of the country.

Nine clubs took part in the main Club of the Year competition, with three more clubs in the newly established Best Emerging Club Category.

The judges had a difficult task, with each of the clubs creating excellent visual displays.

After much deliberation, Leinster Club of the Year went to Mountmellick Macra, in Co Laois. Limerick's Ballylanders Macra took the crown in the Munster region, while Raphoe Macra were named North West Club of the Year and ultimately went on to win the overall Macra Club of the Year trophy.

Newbliss Macra, based in rural Co Monaghan were named Best Emerging Club for 2025.

Elsewhere, the eleven Best New Member finalists met the judges for their final interviews.

Leinster Best New Member went to Ruth Kennedy, of Kilkenny City Macra; Dunmanway Macra member Ellen Lucey was named Munster Best New Member and the North West Best New Member prize was won by Mark Sherry of Scotstown Macra.

The awards were presented at the Macra National Conference.

Macra National President, Josephine O'Neill, congratulated all involved, saying: "The Club of the Year and Best New Members competitions celebrate the very best of our organisation, showcasing the highlights of the year for each club and member participating.

"Congratulations to each and every participant, their hard work and dedication have no doubt created opportunities for others in their counties and regions, reflecting the true spirit of our organisation.

"Special congratulations to those who won the various categories.

"A sincere thank you to National Broadband Ireland, who were on board as sponsor of the awards for the fifth consecutive year."

Niall Beirne, head of Corporate Communications at National Broadband Ireland, commented: "NBI is delighted to continue our partnership with Macra for a fifth year, sponsoring the Club of the Year, Best New Member, and the exciting new Best Emerging Club category.

"These competitions celebrate the innovation, dedication, and community spirit that define Macra and rural Ireland.

"As the National Broadband Plan continues to deliver high-speed broadband across the country, it's inspiring to see Macra members using connectivity to strengthen and grow their communities."