Kilkenny City Macra was named as the overall winner of this year's Macra Club of the Year awards, the organisation has announced.

The awards were part of the recent Macra National Rally hosted by Limerick Macra at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel and Spa in Adare.

The weekend celebrated the achievements, commitment and enthusiasm of Macra clubs and members, with national competitions, farm tours and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends from around the country.

Awards

The Club of the Year competition is one of the highlights of the Rally, recognising the clubs that "go above and beyond" to provide opportunities for their members and make a positive contribution to their local communities.

According to Macra, the clubs are assessed on their development and planning, the range of activities they deliver, member participation, recruitment and retention, and their involvement in the wider community.

The competition also gives clubs an opportunity to showcase their work through promotional videos, club displays and interviews with the judging panel.

Kilkenny City Macra impressed the judges to be named 2026 Macra Club of the Year, having also secured the Leinster Club of the Year award and the Best Club Initiative award.

The regional Club of the Year winners were:

Leinster: Kilkenny City Macra, Co. Kilkenny;
Munster: Shannonside Macra, Co. Limerick;
Northwest: Three Parishes Macra, Co. Monaghan.

Blackstairs Macra, Co. Wexford, was named Best Emerging Club, in recognition of efforts to build and develop the club and create new opportunities for young people in its area.

The Best New Member awards also recognised members who have made a significant contribution to their clubs during their first year of membership.

These awards were presented to Gavin Breen, Blackstairs Macra, Co. Wexford and Joe Hennessy, Kilmallock Macra, Co. Limerick.

Alongside the club awards, members put their knowledge and practical skills to the test in a number of national competitions over the weekend.

The competition winners were as follows :

Know Your Ag Quiz: Killoughey Macra, Co. Offaly;
Sheep Stock Judging: Niamh Roche, Avondhu Macra;
Under 23 Beef Stock Judging: Diarmuid Bracken, Offaly Macra;
Senior Beef Stock Judging: Darren Murphy, Avondhu Macra.