MACRA NEWS

THE national final of Macra na Feirme's variety entertainment contest, the FBD Capers Competition, took place in Cappoquin Community Centre, Co. Waterford, last Saturday.

With over 750 people in the audience, Bree Macra, Co. Wexford beat off stiff competition from six other groups to take home the top award on the night.

Four of the final seven teams who took part were from Cork and the county shined bright on the night. Berrings Macra club from Muskerry, Co. Cork came in second place followed by Freemount Macra from Avondhu, Co. Cork. Other prizes given on the night included Best Producer to Tim Mullane, Berrings Macra and Best Act went to Soldiers' March by Berrings Macra. Best Female Performer was Joan Marie Healy, Berrings Macra while the Best Male Performer prize went to the sunny south east - Ian Walsh from the Wicklow Rainbow Team.

Other Cork finalists were Clonakilty Macra and Donoughmore Macra.

Macra's FBD Capers is a competition designed for clubs wishing to gain experience in producing and performing a light entertainment variety show, with performances ranging from singing and dancing to comedy and drama. BERRINGS: On Saturday, February 6, all roads led from Berrings to Cappoquin, Waterford, to support Berrings Macra in the AllIreland final of the Capers competition. Seven teams from Macra clubs all over Ireland competed in the final which is sponsored by FBD insurance. Berrings Macra's show entitled "By invitation only" was a mixture of song, dance and comedy and proved to be a big hit with both the audience and the judges on the night. Having come second in the final last year Berrings were hopeful that they would have another successful year and they most certainly did not disappoint. Berrings placed joint second overall and claimed three out of a possible four individual awards. Joan-marie Healy won the best female category, "Soldiers March" picked up an award for Best Act and Tim Mullane was named the Best Producer on the night. Congratulations to Bree Macra na Feirme who came 1st on the night and Freemount who were placed joint 2nd. Well done to all involved teams involved.

On Friday, February 10, Berrings Macra were again active in competition when the Muskerry Titles night was held in Coachford. Club members Aileen Hennessey and Eva O'riordan represented Berrings.

Both girls impressed in their interviews with Aileen Hennessey winning Miss Macra and Eva O'riordan winning Queen of the Land. Congratulations also to Siobhán Kelleher (Aghinagh Macra) on winning Blue Jean Country Queen and Steven O'riordan (Millstreet Macra) on winning Mr. Personality.

Best of luck all in the various festivals which will be held during the year.

FARM SAFETY TALK: Seandún Macra na Feirme are hosting a farm safety talk in Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, on Thursday, February 16, at 8pm.

There will be speakers on the night from the HSA to advise on the common areas that fail in farm inspections.

Reliance and Bearing will be giving a presentation on a new PTO cover and Teagasce advisors will be there on the night to help people with any queries they have on Safety Statements.

This meeting is open to everyone and all are more than welcome to attend.

For further information contact Martin O'regan on (087) 2957738.