The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the hard work and commitment of clubs and members.

Six clubs are selected to go forward to the national final, which will take place at this year’s annual conference (Rally) in south Tipperary over the October bank holiday weekend.

Macra national president James Healy said: ‘‘The club of the year and best new member competitions recognise the enthusiasm, initiative and hard work our members bring to their clubs and local communities. It is a fantastic achievement to win these awards and I would encourage our clubs and new members to enter.’’

The best new member award will be presented as part of the club of the year competition to one individual Macra member who is deemed by their club to have made a significant contribution to the development of the club during their first year of membership. The deadline for entries for the best new member category is Friday 27 July.

Application forms for both competition categories are available now in the latest downloads section on the Macra website. The closing date for club of the year entries for 2018 is Friday 29 June.