Macra na Feirme has launched a calendar featuring some of its more extrovert members to highlight positive mental health.

Created in partnership with St Patricks Mental Health Services ‘Walk in my Shoes’ campaign, the calendar is a tongue-in-cheek look at Macra and young farmers but will raise the serious issue of protecting your mental health.

Macra National President, Seán Finan, said protecting our mental health is as important as keeping physically fit.

“Macra is an organisation that helps you keep mentally fit by getting involved, playing team sports and building up your social skills. It provides a social outlet for young people, whether they live in isolated parts of rural Ireland or the middle of a city.

“We can provide young people with the opportunity to meet new people, make an impact on your community by working with those in need, keep active by playing sports, and increase your confidence with our public speaking and performing arts programmes.

“We have all the elements needed to grow your confidence, give you a social outlet and keep you active. These are all ways to protect your mental health and stay positive.”

The limited edition calendar will be on sale for €10 and stocks are expected to sell quickly.

Aine O' Callaghan in the Wheelbarrow

Aine O’Callaghan, Termonfeckin Macra.

Claire Walshe, Kilkenny City Macra, Kilkenny, and reigning Kilkenny Rose appears in Macra's Positive Mental Health Calendar. For sale from next Tuesday, the 22nd September at the National Ploughing Championships. The limited edition calendar will be on sale for €10 and stocks are expected to sell quickly. The Macra models will be on hand selling the calendars at the Macra Ploughing stand (Row 23, Stand 401, Block 3). The calendars will also be available from the Irish Farmers Journal Ploughing stand and the Walk in my Shoes/ St Patricks Mental Health Services stand in the Health & Wellness area. If you can’t make it to the Ploughing, you can buy the calendar by ringing 01 426 8900. Photo: Pat Moore

Claire Walshe, Kilkenny City Macra, Kilkenny, and reigning Kilkenny Rose.

Macra Calendar

Brendan Phelan, Callan Macra, Ciaran O’Donnell, Suirvale Macra, Siobhan Leamy, Awbeg Macra and Aine O’Callaghan, Termonfeckin Macra.