Public Speaking

The past weeks have held host to the impromptu public speaking and team public speaking finals. Although a different to usual format, we were delighted to be able to adapt and run these finals this year over Zoom.

The impromptu public speaking finals were held on 28 November and the winners were:

  • First place – Sarah Beirne, Athboy Macra.
  • Second place – Josephine O’Neill, Callan Macra.
  • Third place – Anthony Culleton, Camross Macra.
  • Callan Macra 2020/21 Team Public Speaking Winners

    The team public speaking finals were held on 5 December and were streamed live on the Macra Facebook page. Aghinagh Macra, Mitchelstown Macra and Callan Macra all featured in the final. Callan Macra were awarded winners on the evening, with Aghinagh Macra placing runners up.

    Congratulations and well done to all who took part in our public speaking competitions at all stages throughout the past few months

    Creative writing competition

    The Macra na Ferime national competitions committee have created a new creative writing competition to develop the creativity and writing skills of our members and to introduce them to the world of literature.

    Members are encouraged to compose a piece of poetry or a short story. For more details, please contact your competition secretary. Closing date for entries is January 6 2021.

    Craft Challenge

    Another new competition taking place is the craft challenge. Members are being encouraged to recreate the Macra na Feirme logo.

    Participants may use whatever format of craft they wish, eg drawing, paint, knit, wood carving etc, to recreate the Macra logo.

    Closing date for entries for the theme “Craft like nobody is watching” is 13 January 2021.

    Tips for the festive season

    1 Get ahead of the turkey and start your new year fitness today

    Being active is good for your heart and your head. All it takes is doing 30 minutes of an activity you enjoy, five days a week. Regular physical exercise makes you feel and look good, and it gives so many benefits for your overall health.

    2 Cut down on screen time and enjoy the festivities

    There are many problems associated with too much screen time. From the physical perspective, it impacts our sleep and weight (sitting too much/not exercising in favour of more screen time).

    From a psychological perspective, too much screen time on social media platforms can lead to increased anxiety and depression and productivity has also been seen to decrease.

    The reality is that too much screen time can be significantly damaging if not managed or broken down with components of physical exercise and movement.

    Why not try?

  • Reading a book – you might even want to start an online Macra book club
  • Practicing your craft skills – from woodwork to crochet, metalwork to sewing – pick up your tools and have a go. You could even make your own Christmas gifts this year.
  • Getting out for a walk– explore new pathways, wander down the beach, even climb a hill. Dust off those walking boots and get out there!
  • 3 Always drink responsibly

    Enjoy the festivities but always remember to drink responsibly. It takes a lot longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body.

    On average, it takes around one hour per unit of alcohol, though this can vary depending on a number of factors. Because of this, there is a real risk that people who would not dream of driving after drinking may still be unwittingly over the limit the morning after.