A Laois Macra group is gearing up to raffle off a Ford tractor, in an effort to raise funds for the refurbishment of their hall.

Portlaoise Macra Hall was built in 1955, with extensions built in 1956 and 1969. It is one of few halls in Ireland in ownership of a Macra branch.

"The club is proud to still meet in their original Macra hall and to offer a place for people to develop themselves personally and socially," Portlaoise Macra secretary Jean Marnell told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Portlaoise Macra at the Macra National Conference in 2025

"The hall was a huge asset to have somewhere to host major national events, such as the national convention in October 1955, the year the hall was first built, and the national executive meeting this year in October 2012."

The group hope to undertake general refurbishments to the hall, and have sourced a Ford 3000 tractor to raffle to one lucky winner.

"Some members who are keen on vintage tractors did some research and went to take a look at a few places, and sourced the Ford 3000. We would be delighted if some local businesses want to sponsor a prize for the raffle," Ms Marnell explained.

"To do so they can contact us on social media Portlaoise Macra on instragram and facebook or email portlaoisemacrapro@gmail.com. We are also going to have a table quiz on the night before the main raffle," she said.

Portlaoise Macra club was founded on 16 June 1952, when the first meeting was held.

Pictured: Portlaoise Macra at the Laois Macra Awards Night 2025

"Over the years we have won Club of the Year, sports competitions, farm skills, Know Your Ag Quiz, beef/sheep/dairy
stock judging, debating and public speaking to name a few," Ms Marnell said.

Members have also represented the Portlaoise branch in competitions such as Mr Personality, Blue Jeans, Miss Macra, Queen of the Castle and Queen of the Land.

"If the walls could tell stories there would be no shortage of memories! The Hall was built thanks to the commitment of the club’s members who subscribed to the project to raise funds and was opened on 15 August 1955, when the clubs membership stood at an amazing 95 affiliations," she said.

"Macra is for everyone – with a network of 170 clubs across Ireland, the organisation has a lot to offer young people. Bowling, cinema nights, quizzes, debating, soccer, badminton, social nights, coffee and walks are just some of the activities that the Portlaoise club has to offer.

Pictured: The tractor to be raffled off by the club

"Macra is not just for farmers or agri-people as everyone thinks. Macra is for people from rural areas to join a club to help
you meet people with similar interests. We are very welcoming and you all become a family more than friends. You will never meet a person who does not think that joining Macra was their best decision," Ms Marnell praised.

"We are delighted the club is still going strong and we have purchased new club tops this year! We will be selling the tickets for €10 each or 6 tickets for €50. You can contact any member to purchase a ticket or social media. We will also be at pop up locations across the county," the club secretary finished.

The draw for the raffle will take place on Saturday 24 January in Headen's Bar in Timahoe at 10pm.

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