Monaghan Macra scoops top prize at inaugural North West awards
Monaghan Macra took the top honours as County of the Region 2025, at North West Macra's inaugural standalone awards night at the Radisson Blue Hotel and Spa, Sligo.
The Monaghan team took the top prize of €500, collected by James McElearney and Lisa Finn, outgoing and incoming chairs.
The second competition for Unsung Hero also went the way of the Farney people, with Katie Meegan from Broomfield Macra winning a two-night stay in the Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney.
The North West Club of the Year was announced as Three Parishes Macra, while Broomfield Macra was named as best emerging club.
All the prizes were sponsored by the iNua hotel group and Radisson Blu, Sligo.
North West vice president John Duffy said: "It was a great evening’s entertainment with the band 'Out on Bale' providing the entertainment for a strong turnout.
"It's onwards and upwards for the members with North West Kings and Queens, a major event of over 300 people where every county nominates a king and a queen to represent it, lined up for 2026."
The vice president remarked on the huge effort the members put into their clubs and counties over the last 12 months.
He commended them for their dedication and drive in keeping the region competitive at national level and pushed for continued success.
North West Macra represents counties Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo.
It is one of three regions that makes up the national cohort of Macra na Feirme.
"We are a thriving community of 17-40-year-olds from 180 clubs in rural Ireland. We advocate for, nurture and develop our members in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment," Duffy said.
"It is a community of rural youth and young farmers where people are welcomed into a fun, vibrant community which creates access to a range of benefits for each member, while encouraging participation in competitions and growing personal development, allowing you to have your voice heard.
Duffy said Macra creates a social network of learning and knowledge transfer via courses and interactive talks.
"The community within Macra creates a social support for members," he explained.
"These supports then begin to impact local charities and groups through fundraisers and other initiatives such as mental health events to overall benefit the areas in which they are located."
Macra comprises over 170 clubs spread across the Republic of Ireland. The clubs are split into 31 Macra regions.
"The North West has expanded, with approximately 45 clubs now in the region.
Though it is a voluntary organisation, the vice-president said "Macra represents a thriving community of 14,000 young people from rural Ireland with around 4000 of these located in the North West locality",
"Monaghan Macra was set up only three years ago and is a real success story.
"It has over 200 members across five clubs in the county region and remains very active through monthly meetings, activities and representing at national events.
"It has gained numerous titles along the way including club of the region, best new club and 'Queen of the Castle.'
According to Duffy, members have a great camaraderie and work for the common goal of support and success.
"The reward is a just reflection of the time and effort given to the cause, their friendly nature and fun approach to their membership has made them stand out above the rest in this year's competition."
