A Dungarvan woman was named as Macra na Feirme’s Best New Member at the organisation’s national conference in Wicklow last weekend.
Maria Foley was selected from a list of 12 finalists as the candidate to receive the AIB sponsored title.
The award is presented to a Macra member who is deemed to have made a significant contribution to his or her club throughout their first year of membership.
John Farrell of sponsors AIB said people such as Maria were necessary to the whole organisation.
“New members are essential to the development and progression of all Macra na Feirme clubs. Individual members can make a considerable contribution to their club and it is fitting to recognise and reward their efforts. I would like to congratulate Maria on her success,” he said.
Macra na Feirme National President Michael Gowing also praised Maria for her achievement.
“This award recognises our new members who are invaluable to Macra. The competition proves how new members bring ideas and new ways of doing things. This keeps our clubs fresh and is the very reason Macra na Feirme continues to grow and flourish across the country.”
The announcement was made on day two of the four day conference which was held at the Arklow Bay Hotel from Friday to Monday.
In recognition of her enthusiasm, Maria was presented with a brand new laptop.
It was a great weekend not only for Dungarvan Macra, but also for other clubs across the county.
On Friday night, Kilmacthomas finished a close second in the Irish Farmer’s Journal ‘Know Your Ag’ quiz.
Dungarvan Macra member Maria Foley receives her prize from John Farrell (AIB) and Macra na Feirme National President Michael Gowing.
The team, comprised of Mark Connors, James Power, John Cummins and Evan Stanley, were just behind winners Rathdowney of Laois.
The quiz tested the participants with wide-ranging questions related to various agricultural topics.
On Sunday, Kinsalebeg Macra narrowly defeated Carmoss from Laois to win the National Dairy Council seven-a-side Gaelic football competition.
