Macra Capers crews seek national titles
BRIGHT lights, camera and action will focus on three Cork clubs going in search of national honours in the prestigious All -Ireland Macra Capers Finale next month.
What’s promised is a variety of music, dance, laughter and entertainment from six clubs drawn from across the country who will take part in the finale, which takes place at which takes place at the Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens on Saturday, February 1.
The staging looks to be a crowd pleaser, the freshness and enthusiasm of the finalists reflected in their performances at the semi-final stages.
From the Killarney hosting of the semi-final, Freemount advanced to the decider, Miriam Angland won the Best Producer award and Aoife O’Connor landed the Best Female Performer award.
Freemount will attempt to add to their previous outright win in 2014.
Completing a rewarding visit to Kerry were Whitechurch, thrilled to book a passage to the final.
For good measure, Whitechurch won the Best Male Performer award for Denis O’Sullivan, with Chris McAuliffe, Kevin Lenihan, Conor Sheehan and Niall Lenihan adding the Best Act award for their comedy piano sketch.
Further Cork success emerged at Riverstick with Banteer’s free-flowing fervour winning this semi-final. This Cork club will also be seeking to repeat All-Ireland glory following their 2017 success.
For good measure, the Avondhu club collected the Best Act award in the Banteer semi-final.
No surprise, competition for All Ireland honours will be stiff. Leading the charge are six-time previous winners Athboy from Meath; Bree from Wexford took the accolades in 2012; and Callan, representing Kilkenny, will attempt to make a first-time breakthrough.
They will join the Cork representatives in the final.
Meanwhile, The Avondhu regional round of Macra titles took place in the Arches Bar, Mallow.
Members from all over the region competed for the titles of Mr Personality, Miss Macra, Queen of The Land and Blue Jeans Country Queen.
Contestants undergo an interview in front of the audience and also do an optional party piece before Banteer and Awbeg club members collected the major honours.
Kelvin O’Connor, representing Banteer, took Mr Personality and a ticket to Kilkenny in April, with club colleague Amanda O’Sullivan securing her place in the International Miss Macra in Thurles during August.
Awbeg cheers were heard for Amy Twohig, winning Queen of the Land and a trip to Tullamore; with Emma Fox McCarthy a deserving winner of the Miss Blue Jeans and booking a place in the National Final in Athboy.