Laois Macra club crowned national FBD Capers champions on home ground

A Laois Macra club has scooped a national award, on their home turf.

"Magnificent" Mountmellick Macra has triumphed at the FBD Capers Final 2025.

The highly anticipated Macra Capers Final took place on Saturday, March 1 in the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre, and it proved to be an unforgettable night of Entertainment for the community.

A packed venue created an electric atmosphere as six teams — Callan, Kilkenny City, South Tipperary, Insane, Freemount, and Mountmellick — took to the stage to compete for the coveted top prize.

Each team delivered a 20-minute variety performance filled with comedy, dance, poetry, and music, ensuring a night of high-energy entertainment for the enthusiastic audience.

However, it was Mountmellick Macra na Feirme that stole the show, emerging as the overall winners of the competition with their spectacular performance of “Un-Laois’d: The Olympic Dream.”

The Mountmellick Macra Capers team mid performance. Photos: Denis Byrne

Mountmellick’s show combined sport-themed comedy, poetry about achieving peace, instrumental music, and light entertainment, all executed with outstanding creativity and energy. Their hilarious and brilliantly choreographed "Olympic Walking" act was awarded Best Act of the Night, further cementing their dominance at the event.

Their talented team of 15 performers included: Amy Strong, Nathan Flanagan, Aoife Oxley, Michéal Kilheeny, Alanah Conroy, Katelyn Dempsey, Ciara Hennessy, Sorcha Hartnett, Aoife Mallon, Kellie Fox, Zoe Dempsey, Niamh Feighery, Conan Kirwan, Sophie Ahern and Sue Le Blanc Meredith.

Conan Kirwan and Nathan Flanagan on stage.

The show was produced by Colette Cashin and AC Reynolds, with choreography by Louise Ahern. Chris Joyce, Larry Ryan, and Kevin Scott provided backstage support, while Patrick Ahern handled the lighting.

It was an evening full of exceptional talent, with multiple teams receiving recognition for their incredible performances. The final results were: 1st Mountmellick Macra, 2nd Freemount Macra and in 3rd Callan Macra.

Alongside their overall victory, Mountmellick’s Michéal Kilheeny took home the Best Male Performer award for his outstanding stage presence and delivery. The Best Female Performer award went to Kilkenny City Macra, showcasing their strong individual talent.

Freemount Macra, who finished second overall, was recognized for their exceptional production work, winning Best Producer.

Local man and Laois NCR Andrew Dunne acted as presiding officer.

The FBD Capers Final 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together talented performers, dedicated producers, and an enthusiastic audience for a night of unforgettable entertainment. Mountmellick’s hard work, creativity, and showmanship earned them a well-deserved victory, making their local community immensely proud.

As part of their prize, the Mountmellick team now looks forward to an exciting prize winners’ trip to a European city, where they will celebrate their success and enjoy a well-earned break after months of dedication and preparation.

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Congratulations to all the teams who took part, and especially to Magnificent Mountmellick, the 2025 FBD Capers Champions.