Fifty marriages and sixty years of fun in Laois Macra club

A Laois Macra club is 60 years old and thriving, and planning a fun celebration for its members past and present.

Mountmellick Macra is marking six decades of community involvement, cultural achievement, lifelong friendships and even marriages.

The club was founded on January 3, 1966, by a group of young people who came together with a shared vision for the future.

In the early years, the club had the foresight to buy a former bottling factory on Patrick Street, which now forms the stage area of their community hall.

Continued dedication and hard work led to the completion of a major hall extension in 1976, which was opened with well-deserved pride, marking a milestone in the club's history.

"From those early days to the present day, Mountmellick Macra remains deeply grateful to its members and supporters who worked tirelessly to develop the club and build the hall that is still at the heart of the organisation today," says member Ursula Coyle Dunne, whose parents Sheelagh Coyle and founding member Leo Dunne met in the club and went on to marry.

She confirms that remarkably, the club was the foundation ground for fifty weddings, "a testament to the strong bonds formed amongst its members".

“We encourage our members to develop new skills, voice their opinions, and play an active role in shaping their local communities, while also providing a fun and supportive social outlet,” says the current PRO Emer Feighery.

Mountmellick Macra has contributed richly to the arts in the town. It has hosted countless dramas, variety shows and pantomimes showcasing its talented members.

An energetic performance by Mountmellick Macra.

Many went on to represent the club at county and national level, while others surprised themselves and others by discovering new skills, from public speaking to dancing, even those with two left feet.

Sport, agricultural skills, public speaking and performing arts are also taken on by Mountmellick Macra members in national Macra competitions.

Continual investment in the hall has ensured it remains accessible and futureproof. In 2006, wheelchair-accessible toilets and a balcony were added.

In 2025 the club took on its most significant investment to date, replacing the leaky asbestos roof with a modern insulated replacement.

The club extends sincere gratitude to the many former and current members who donated so generously to the project, helping to secure the future of the hall.

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Mountmellick Macra still thrives thanks to members who give so freely of their time. The hall is used weekly by members and local community groups, with new members always welcome.

Mountmellick Macra will hold its 60th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a dinner dance in The Midlands Park Hotel.

All are warmly invited to attend. Further details to be announced.