Wexford Macra’s recent 75th anniversary dinner in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, Co. Wexford March 16, was a sell out celebration, as past and present members rolled back the years.
Sara Steacy, dinner dance PRO, said: “It just shows how hard work pays off. We had our friends from Wicklow, Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow and Naas Macra in attendance for the celebration, which shows the dedication Macra members have to each county.
“We also had plenty of the past members of Wexford Macra present – which we were delighted to see, so we thank them for taking the time to come and support us on such a milestone,” Sara said.
The night got off to a sparkling start, with a prosecco reception as Keely Remond snapped the stylish turnout.
“We had no excuses because Donohoe’s Machinery, Enniscorthy, kindly sponsored the ‘magic mirror’ so everyone had plenty of opportunities for photos,” Sara said.
County chair, Ronan Finn, kicked off the speeches, highlighting the importance of Macra in the county for all present members.
Ronan said that only for past members, Wexford Macra wouldn’t be where it is today. Past member Geraldine Doyle recalled her experience in Wexford Macra, where she expressed delight at the growth and popularity again of Wexford Macra.
A candle lit throughout the night in memory of deceased members.
Macra president Elaine Houlihan quipped that Wexford Macra has a reputation for fancy footwork on for the dance floor.
It also has a tradition that at any Wexford Macra dinner dance, the cake gets cut with a past county member.
Several awards made by Thomas Devereux, Kilmuckridge Macra member, were presented on the night. Leinster vice-president Paddy Jordan announced the winners and Macra president Elaine Houlihan presented the awards.
They were as follows:
Bree Macra: Newcomer: Eddie Casey; Club Person of the Year: Sarah Byrne.
Camolin: Newcomer: Shane Roche; Club Person of the Year: Ryan Hayes.
Cushinstown: Newcomer: Shane Caulfield; Club Person of the Year: Ellen Fitzpatrick.
Kilrush Askamore Ferns: Newcomer: Conor Doran; Club Person of the Year: Mariah Boland.
Kilmuckridge: Newcomer: Lillymay Tohil; Club Person of the Year: Willie Murphy.
Ramsgrange: Newcomer: Lar Banville; Club Person of the Year: Kelly Duffin.
Most Outstanding Wexford Macra members: 1939-1974; Michael Doyle; 1974-1999; Eileen Graham R.I.P. and 1999-2024; Cliona O Leary.
Wexford Macra expressed thanks to everyone who helped out on with the celebration including those who sponsored and donated prizes. All raffle proceeds went to the The Hope Centre, Enniscorthy.
Providing a range of services to people throughout Co. Wexford whose lives have been changed by a cancer diagnosis, it received €2000 as a result of the raffle.
The celebratory mood continues as Wexford Macra has won the best Leinster county for Macra and is looking forward to receiving the award at the banquet dinner at the national AGM on May 11.