Cavan’s Miss Macra goes for gold

A Cavan lady is in the running to win the International Miss Macra na Feirme competition 2022, writes Michelle Taite.

Ann-Marie Smith of Sliabh Glah Macra is still on a high after being crowned Cavan’s Miss Macra na Feirme.

Speaking about her win, the Denn woman said, “it is a great honour to be representing my county and club. It is a great opportunity to meet loads of people and it really pulls you out of your comfort zone. I am both excited and nervous.”

The daughter of Mary and the late John-Pat Smith has been a member of her local Macra club for four years now. She attended the annual Christmas party in December, which coincided with the Miss Macra selection night. After very little convincing, Smith decided to take part.

“When I arrived on the night of the interviews and the Christmas party I was persuaded to take part. It was very last minute.”

Cavan's Miss Macra is a very social and active girl. She outlined during her interview that her hobbies include cooking, jiving and walking her dog. She also takes part in National Poc Fada, which is an annual competition that judges you based on your hurling and camogie abilities.

There were celebrations all round in the Smith household, as Ann-Marie's brother Adrian was also crowned North-West King.

Up next for the Cavan entrant is the Macra na Feirme Festival 2022, where she will partake in a series of interviews and activities in an effort to be crowned Miss Macra 2022.

The festival is a three-day event which takes place from July 29 to July 31.

“I will be heading to Thurles in Tipperary during the August Bank Holiday.”

Outlining the event, Ann-Marie says, “Friday will consist of getting to know each other. On Saturday I will have a private interview followed by an on stage interview on Saturday night. It’s a personality contest, so there will be different activities going on throughout the weekend where the judges will be watching and judging us based on our personality and how well you mingle with the group. The Sunday night will be the banquet where they will then crown International Miss Macra 2022.”

The winner of the Miss Macra competition will be crowned at midnight, Sunday July 31.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival. As part of the anniversary celebrations,

Tipperary Cooperative are sponsoring a reunion lunch for previous winners on July 30 in the Anner Hotel.

Tickets to the banquet and full day entry to the festival cost €60. Pre Booking is essential for these tickets. Evening tickets to see the crowning of Miss Macra and night entertainment cost €15.

All ticket information available on www.missmacrafestival.com, by emailing missmacra@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp 087-7513824.