There was plenty of action at this year’s Tullamore Show, with Macra members bringing their energy, ideas and practical skills to the showgrounds.

Macra national president Josephine O’Neill and Limerick Macra member Eamonn Shanahan took part in a panel discussion in the Sustainable Livestock Village, titled Supporting Generational Renewal.

The discussion focused on the issues currently facing young farmers and explored ideas about supports needed to help the next generation get established and build sustainable farming businesses.

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With generational renewal continuing to be a major issue for the future of Irish agriculture, the panel provided an opportunity to put the concerns of young farmers centre stage and discuss how policy and practical supports can help make farming a viable option for the next generation.

Josephine also had the opportunity to meet briefly with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Taoiseach Micheál Martin during the day.

Skills competition

While there was plenty of talking taking place in the Sustainable Livestock Village, elsewhere on the showgrounds it was all about action as Laois Macra hosted the final of the National Farm Skills competition, kindly sponsored by FBD.

The final put competitors through their paces, with teams tackling a series of practical challenges including bale stacking, fencing and tractor manoeuvring.

With judges and spectators watching closely, there was little room for error as teams battled it out for the overall title.

After a closely fought competition, Awbeg Macra emerged victorious, with Whitechurch Macra taking second place and Kilmuckridge Macra finishing third overall.

Kilmuckridge Macra had plenty more to celebrate, also taking home the Safety Competition title.

A huge congratulations goes to all the teams who competed in the final. Getting to this stage is an achievement in itself and the standard of skill and teamwork on display was a fitting way to bring another Macra competition season to its conclusion.

Macra would also like to thank the judges for giving their time and expertise, Portlaoise Macra for hosting the competition and FBD for its continued support of the Farm Skills competition.

Watch this space

While the Farm Skills final marks the end of the 2025/26 Macra competition calendar, there won’t be much time to recover. The 2026/27 calendar kicks off in just a matter of weeks, bringing another year of challenges, competition and plenty of opportunities for members to get involved. So, dust off the boots, sharpen up those skills and get ready.