Mountmellick Macra have much to celebrate, earning an outstanding 3rd place finish in the FBD National Capers Final.

Held in Ovens, Cork on January 31, Capers is a 20-minute variety show that brings together music, movement, storytelling, and humour. Mountmellick Macra say that they are thrilled to see such huge interest and commitment to this fantastic competition.

Competing against seven teams on the night, Mountmellick’s brand-new team of 11 performers earned third place for their original show Wicked Ways and Hotel Stays, a remarkable achievement, coming just one year after winning the national final.

First place on the night went to Freemount Macra, whilst 2^nd place went to Callan Macra.

"Under Capers rules, last year’s winning team were required to step aside for a year, meaning Mountmellick could only return with an entirely new cast. However, many members of the 2025 winning team travelled to Cork to support their club mates, a powerful display of loyalty, friendship, and true Macra spirit," the Macra club told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The 3rd-placed team captivated the audience with a vibrant mix of comedy, dance, live instruments, and poetry, delivering a confident and entertaining performance that showcased their talent and teamwork.

With eyes already firmly on the future, Mountmellick Macra are looking ahead to 2027, eager to see what the 2025 champions and the 2026 third-place team can create next. If this year is anything to go by, the future of Capers in Mountmellick is very bright indeed.

The cast for Wicked Ways and Hotel Stays were Darragh Prendergast, Emer Feighery, Ava Prendergast, Jane McEvoy, Enda Feighery, Ruth Rawlinson, Hannah Dempsey, Cathal Kenny, Sam Wynne, Ellie Fitzpatrick, and Aine Delaney.

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The show was produced by Rosemary O'Gorman and AC Reynolds, and choreographed by Louise Ahern.

Backstage on the night were Andrew Dunne, Chris Joyce, Kevin Scott, AC Reynolds, and Larry Ryan. Sound and lighting were expertly handled by Louise Ahern, Nathan Flanagan, and Aidan Moore.