Leo missed by Macra Panto
The late Leo Dunne of Mountmellick Macra Na Feirme.
As Mountmellick Macra’s much anticipated 15th Annual Panto opens this week, the club are greatly feeling the loss of lifetime member Leo Dunne, who passed away last October.
The club members have composed an appreciation for Leo, their mentor and good friend.
Leo began his time in Mountmellick Macra in 1968. During his forty year membership he held many positions including Club Chairperson, PRO, hall Manager. In addition to this he held positions on the Laois Macra Executive. Love blossomed for Leo when Westmeath School teacher Sheelagh Coyle joined the club and the two married in 1978 and later had two children Feargus and Ursula.
Throughout his years in Macra, Leo embraced all the elements of the Macra Programme including Sports, Drama & Travel. Leo represented the club competitively in badminton and also volleyball.
Leo was very proud of the Macra Hall in Mountmellick and spearheaded the rejuvenation of the hall facilities in 2002. As chairperson of the building sub committee, Leo oversaw the extension of the existing Macra Hall, building of balcony and installation of new toilet facilities. This project took almost three years to complete. Leo’s determination ensured that all Macra members were enthused to volunteer in all ways necessary with regards with the building work. His commitment to this project ensured that all work was completed on time and to a high standard. The upgrade and extension of the Macra hall was not only a benefit to the members of the club to the community as a whole. One of Leo’s proudest moments was when the hall extension was officially opened by the then Macra President Mr. Colm Markey which coincided with the clubs 40th anniversary celebrations.
In latter years, the clubs annual Pantomime was another great love of Leo’s. This February sees the clubs 15th annual Pantomime being performed. Leo presided as chairperson of the organizing sub-committee for many years. Being a people person and having gift of the gab, Leo was always able to recruit new people to the club and perform in the Pantomime. His powers of persuasion were invaluable when it came to requesting sponsorship for the Pantomime, encouraging people to attend and of course raffle ticket sales were always up when Leo was on the job!
Throughout the years Leo recruited a huge number of young people to Mountmellick Macra and was always proactive in ensuring the membership never dipped. Many of these members forged life long friendships throughout the years. One of these strong friendships in the club was between Leo and Larry Ryan. Both members acted as mentors and were great friends and allies. The club is lucky to have the involvement of both Leo’s wife Sheelagh and his daughter Ursula in the club.
Leo will be sadly missed by all his friends in Mountmellick Macra.
Rest in peace Leo.
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Weather for Portlaoise
Thursday 23 May 2013
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