Mayo Macra to launch new club in Ballina
Members of Mayo Macra with other guests at the Mayo County Ploughing Championships held at Carras Farms recently, from left: Cllr Michael Burke, Sharon Corcoran (Mayo Macra), Mayo Person of the Year Michael Ring, Robert Lally (Macra North West Vice President), Daniel Conway (Mayo Macra Secretary), James McDonnell (Macra), Frances Brennan (Mayo Macra President), and Patrick Duffy. Picture: Trish Forde
These days, Macra is not only an organisation which has long been associated with the farming community but also has become a nationwide social network for young people from all walks of life.
Mayo Macra is launching a new club in Ballina next week, and anyone between the ages of 17 and 35 is invited to come along. Whether you’re into farming, fitness, festival-going or just looking to meet people and get more involved in your local community, then Macra could be just the thing for you.
Macra is a voluntary organisation representing a thriving community of 13,500 young people from rural Ireland.
It advocates for, nurtures and develops club members in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment with its programmes and activities designed to encourage them to play an active role in their local community, making rural Ireland an attractive place in which to live and work.
The organisation’s mission is to empower members by offering new opportunities and experiences for development, connection and adventure and to encourage them to be the person they want to be so that they can learn, grow and flourish.
Originally known as Macra na Feirme, the organisation was founded by a group of 12 agricultural advisers, rural science teachers and farmers in 1944.
The Ballina club launch night and information session will take place on Thursday, May 1, at 7pm in the Ballina Family Resource Centre, Abbey Street, Ardnaree.
“We’ve got something for everyone: sports, public speaking, drama, volunteering, travel, festivals and leadership opportunities too," said Macra’s Northwest Vice President and proud Claremorris man, Rob Lally. “It’s a brilliant way to build skills, have fun and make lifelong friends."
Macra Training and Development Officer Siobhán Coyle added: “Macra helps make rural Ireland a more connected, exciting place in which to live. It’s a great way to meet people, get stuck into your community and just enjoy life”, she said.
If you are interested in joining Ballina Macra then you can sign up at www.macra.ie.
You can also follow Ballina Macra on Facebook and Instagram. And if you're from a different area and thinking about setting up your own club, then Macra would love to hear from you.
Now in its 81st year, the organisation is growing stronger than ever and there’s no better time to get involved.
For more details, please contact Siobhán Coyle at 086-8189219 or email scoyle@macra.ie.
