Fermoy Macra na Feirme from Avondhu, Co Cork, took home the men’s Macra na Feirme/National Dairy Council (NDC)basketball All-Ireland title at the ALSAA Sports Centre in Dublin last weekend.

Slieve Bloom Macra club members from Laois were crowned women’s champions in the Macra/NDC finals. The Fermoy club has developed a talented basketball squad, retaining its title from last year’s triumph. For Slieve Bloom, it represents a breakthrough first time win for the team.

Over 20 teams from all over the country took part in the finals held on Sunday. Killarney Macra was runner-up in the women’s final and members of the current club of the year, Ramor Macra from Cavan, were beaten finalists in a tense affair in the men’s championship.

Participation

Speaking at the event, Macra na Feirme president James Healy, who presented the trophies and medals on the day, said: “Well done to all teams who took part. Basketball is one of our most popular sporting competitions and it’s great to see such huge participation levels from Macra members.

‘‘Macra members also get a chance to build team spirit, improve fitness and the competitions provide a great social outlet for all.

‘‘Macra is very much about promoting healthy living as the popularity of our competitions shows, and along with the NDC we are keen to emphasise the importance of an active, balanced lifestyle.’’

Meanwhile, on a busy weekend in the Macra competitions calendar it proved to be a double success for the Avondhu region as Awbeg Macra won the Macra na Feirme All-Ireland senior debating title at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Saturday night.

The team of Niall O’Regan, Breda O’Keeffe, Niamh Curran and Kate O’Regan edged out Bree Macra from Wexford over the motion that ‘‘Ireland is taking its environmental commitments seriously’’. Representing Bree on the night were Sinead Doyle, Johanna Wickham, Aine Doyle and Niall Doyle. Kate O’Regan from Awbeg was named best debater on the night.

Judges

This year’s final was hosted by Louth Macra. Presiding for the evening was Helena Reynolds while the judges were renowned former Macra members Paud Leech of Termonfeckin Macra, former Macra president Colm Markey of Togher and Termonfeckin Macra and Gertie McGee of Dromiskin and Stabannon Macra.

James Healy congratulated both teams on the night and praised them for a robust debate in keeping with the competition’s illustrious history.