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The FBD National Capers Final took place on January 31 in Ovens, Co. Cork, hosted by Muskerry Macra, where seven clubs from across the country delivered an outstanding evening of music, drama, dance and comedy. The participating clubs were Bantry Macra, Freemount Macra, Mountmellick Macra, Kinsale Macra, Callan Macra, Kilmeen Macra and Waterfall Macra. After a highly competitive final, Freemount Macra was announced as overall winner, with Callan Macra in second place and Mountmellick Macra in third. Category winners were as follows: Best Female Performer: Moira Dineen, Freemount Macra Best Male Performer: Michael Lawlor, Callan Macra Best Act: Freemount Macra – Pub Scene...

Macra welcomes today's dialogue with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on key issues affecting farmers. As part of this significant engagement, the organisation welcomes positive first steps in resolving the continued issues surrounding Bord Bia in the form of constructive proposals to rebuild confidence in Bord Bia and give greater input of farmer voice. Macra looks forward to continued engagement to ensure that the important issues highlighted in recent weeks are addressed. The organisation also welcomed the opportunity to highlight key issues that are facing young farmers, both currently and in the development of the new CAP...

Macra continues to call on Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to take decisive action to facilitate urgent and constructive dialogue across the agri-food sector, in order to protect Ireland’s international food reputation and restore farmer confidence in Bord Bia. Recent public exchanges involving the Chair of Bord Bia and concerns raised by the Irish Farmers’ Association have highlighted the need for clear leadership, dialogue and engagement. Confidence among farmers in the institution that represents Irish food at home and abroad is essential and must be safeguarded. Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality food producer depends on unity, transparency, and respect...

Macra, noting the ongoing protest involving the IFA & Bord Bia chairperson, believe that engagement between all relevant parties would be a positive step towards achieving a constructive outcome. Macra considers that open discussion and cooperation offers the best opportunity to address the issues and to ensure confidence among farmers, industry stakeholders and international partners is restored.  In correspondence to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Macra has called on the Minister to bring all relevant parties together to reach a resolution once and for all.

Macra and the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) are pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for their third annual International Women’s Day lunch, taking place on Thursday, 5th March 2026 at Lyrath Estate, County Kilkenny. The theme of this year’s event is Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress. Josephine O’Neill, Macra President, said, “We're delighted to see the return of our International Women's Day event in association with the ASA and proudly sponsored by FBD. Women have always played an integral role in driving progress behind the scenes in rural Ireland. We look forward to shining a light on inspirational women...