Celebrations are continuing among Portlaoise Macra members following their All-Ireland victory over the weekend.
The club team composed of Adrian Seale, Paddy Delaney, Thomas Cushen and Liam Brophy came out on top in the final of the Macra na Feirme’s annual Irish Farmers Journal Know Your Agriculture Quiz.
The event, which tests a broad range of agricultural knowledge, including scientific, technical, management, policy and machinery questions, took place last weekend in Clonmel, Co Tipperary at the Macra na Feirme Rally.
The Portlaoise club are no strangers to the title having previously won the quiz in 2015.
Team member Thomas Cushen commented: “Intensive study started after our team qualified from the county round. Each team member focused on certain topics.
“On the night there was 29 strong teams and we were faced with some challenging questions. Lucky for us our preparation paid off and we were delighted to come out on top on the night.”
Incredibly, this success was followed by another during the weekend when Liam Brophy was named the overall winner of the over-23 Senior Beef Stock Judging Competition.
Thomas Cushen went on to say: “It’s a great achievement for the club to add another All-Ireland Title to the collection, after a successful year for the club coming runner-up in the All-Ireland Farm Skills and Dairy Stock Judging Competition.”
Club Development Officer Vivienne Phelan said: “We are thrilled for the team and in particular for Liam who was also successful in the Beef Stock Judging.
“These wins are a testament to the level of agricultural knowledge and skill our members hold, and the hard work and dedication that went into preparing for these competitions.
“Portlaoise Macra is one of the most active clubs locally. We participate in a variety of competitions throughout the year including debating, soccer, bowling and public speaking.
“New members, aged between 17-35 years, from farming and non-farming backgrounds are always welcome. There really is something for everyone.”
