1. International Miss Macra Festival 2014
As the August bank holiday draws upon us and we find ourselves glimpsing at the
remains of the Irish summer there may the urge for one last hurrah before the summer has
completely drawn to a close. A question may begin to bubble within us as we try and think of
fun and unique things to do. You can achieve all this and more at the International Miss
Macra festival 2014.
This year celebrates the 43rd anniversary of the International Miss Macra festival. This
festival is run by the one and only Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club, over the
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the August Bank Holiday weekend. There is a strong
tradition of this festival in Clonoulty, as it shows what one Macra club can achieve.
The festival will kick-start on Friday the 1st of August when this year’s 21 contestants
will meet the festival committee in the grounds of the luxury Dundrum House Hotel at
midday. Dundrum House Hotel has been described as an oasis in the Golden Vale, setting the
perfect scene for those who are seeking relaxation and fun. The girls then will be taken on a
tour of the World renowned Coolmore stud farm, followed by Zumba in Clonoulty
Community Hall. Later that evening the girls will meet there host families. The tradition of
the contestants staying with host families is very strong within the local community and we
are extremely grateful for the generosity and commitment of our host families over the past
43 years. This year the Friday night will be a themed disco and no more fitting a theme than
‘Farmer Style’. Have your dungarees and steel capped wellingtons at the ready.
The contestants will awaken early on Saturday morning for their interviews with the
judges. There are three judges, Declan Ryan who has held every officership on our festival
committee, including Chairman throughout the years. He is currently the President of
Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra club. Joining him is Joan Pollard Carew, renowned poet and well
known patron of Irish dancing. Joan is also the wife of Michael Carew, of Michael Carew
jewellers who sponsors second prize in our festival and who has contributed greatly to the
festival in terms of resources, time and advice. This year we are proud to announce that there
will be a new judge joining us Caroline Kinane from Tipp FM and we wish her the very best
of luck with the tough task of selecting International Miss Macra 2014.
After the interviews on Saturday, the contestants have a chance to relax at the annual
South Tipperary Macra Raft Race, which will take place in the neighbouring village of
Golden at 4pm. This activity is mainly for the supporters who have travelled the length and
breadth of the country, now it is time to don a life jacket and make your county proud as the
man made rafts battle the currents. St.Brendan’s voyage has nothing on this.
Saturday night sees the girls dressed in their finest as they ascend the stage for the
cabaret. Mike Egan, previous Macra member, will interview the girls two at the time in front
of a marquee full of supporters, friends and family. Once the cabaret is finished the
contestants can enjoy themselves, with their supporters, in the Venue to the band Lebowski.

2. Sunday morning sees the girls attend mass in the local parish church in Clonoulty.
Afterwards, there will be a Macra family fun day and sports day, followed by a barbeque.
The contestants will proudly wear their county colours as they battle it out through a custom
made Macra obstacle course, complete with parallel parking (toy) tractors and milking
(cardboard) Fresian cows. Immediately after the sports day the preparations for the Miss
Macra ball will commence. There will be a hairdresser, Tara, on site for the contestants and
the committee. The photographs of the girls plus their escorts will be taken by our festival
photographer George Willoughby at 6pm. Followed by a champagne reception and a five
course meal which takes place in Dundrum house’s fabulous ballroom. After the meal and the
various speeches the band Memphis will play until the bewitching hour of 12 midnight when
the judges will announce the winner, second and third place. The crowned winner and two
runner ups will then have their photographs taken with the main sponsors of the festival:
Dundrum House Hotel and Golf Course, Joan and Michael Carew Jewellers and FBD
Insurance.
The winner has been crowned and the festival now draws to a close as the committee
breathe a sigh of relief and accomplishment as the entire ballroom fills with Macra and non-
Macra members who dance the night away.