Due to restrictions and the safety of all members, our competitions committee has again adapted to the current circumstances and put together a virtual Capers showcase weekend. This consisted of a comedy sketch competition and a Capers Best Bits show, all kindly sponsored by FBD Insurance.

Friday February 5 began our Capers Showcase weekend, kicking off with our comedy sketch competition. A huge well done to Callan, Cavan, Clonakilty A & B, Devils Bit, Enfield, Kilmallock, Kinsalebeg, Portlaoise and Ramor Macra Clubs, who put together some fantastic, entertaining and innovative entries into the show.

The evening was hosted by the competitions committee chairperson Amanda Monahan.

“The comedy sketch is an insight into what is required from clubs to make a Capers show. Capers is all about compiling comedy with song, dance and originality into a 20-minute show,” Amanda said.

On the evening. we heard from Donal Riordan, from our proud sponsor FBD, who wished all contestants well on the evening and applauded them for their entries.

Some might remember our guest judge on the evening, Joe Rooney, as Fr Damo from Father Ted. Many Macra members are Father Ted fanatics, so it was fantastic to get his feedback and also get a special live comedy act.

We were joined by Sinead from Bree Macra, Co Wexford, who won the 2020 Capers Show. Sinead produced and participated in the winning act last year. She encouraged all clubs to participate in the show when the “normal” Capers is set to return, exclaiming it “brings the entire club together.”

She also stated the many benefits of getting involved, including the opportunity to “meet new people, build confidence, learn new skills and most importantly, there is a great social element.”

Congratulations to Theresa O’Leary, Clonakility Macra, who won first place with her sketch of the “Honest Email”. Well done to John and Agnes O’Leary, also from Clonakilty Macra, who came in second place and to Johnny Kettyle from Ramor Macra, who came in third place.

Saturday February 6 and Sunday 7 featured a Reeling in the Years show – Capers style. The two evenings were spent reliving scenes from Capers acts past, which were kindly sent in from clubs across the country.

You can catch all the comedy sketches, the live show, the 2020 Bree Macra winning act and the Capers Best Bits show on the Macra na Feirme Facebook page. Well done to all involved in making such a fantastic weekend.