The branch received an early financial boost when committee members of the Farmers and Rate Payers Association decided to hand over the organisation of an annual dance to Macra. The Fethard branch, therefore, enjoyed to proceeds of that event and also money which was held in the account of the other committee at that time.

As one of the its early accomplishments, Fethard Macra na Feirme became the first branch outside Dublin to host a Fat Stock show.

The first show was held at the 'Spittal Field' beside the creamery in 1954. Such was the success of the initial event, that after a few years, Fethard Macra bought its own site from the Board of Works.

Macra na Feirme also held its first dinner dance in 1954. In those days it was confined to Macra members only, and there were never enough tickets to meet the demand.

Winter activities included visits from agricultural advisors with their popular 'lantern slides' on issues such as, "Silage Making in thee 60's" and other popular farming topics of the day.

The farm efficiency competition was also a popular feature and P. Heffernan and Tom O'Dea did particularly well in this regard. The sixties and seventies brought many interesting and varied events from Macra rallies to the ever popular field evenings, a social highlight for many members.

The branch entered the sporting arena in 1980 with a very successful indoor football tournament at Moyglass hall. Two years later in 1982, Fethard captured its first award in drama with a county title success with a play entitled Us and Them. Paddy Maher was the main driving force behind that particular success and he was also instrumental in the success of a further production in 1984 when Fethard staged Brian Friel's comedy I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell.

In 1985 branch members had a busy schedule with visits to Coolmore Stud and the Fethard Folk & Transport museum. A one act play Keep Calm reached the county final and in the process won best producer and best actor awards for Pat Fahey and Tom O'Brien respectively. A table quiz team from the club competed in various competitions throughout the area in which the were usually successful.

Bring matters more or less up to date, Fethard Macra have over the past few years returned to the height of drama success. In the last three years we have won two south titles, a county title, reached the All-Ireland semi-final of the One Act Drama competition as well as winning both best actor and best producer awards at south and county level for the past two years.

We also have public speaking and debating teams who compete in both novice and senior competitions at south, county and regional levels.

We owe our gratitude to Martha Sheehan who has been instrumental in all these recent successes. Under her guidance the club teams have improved steadily over the past years and there is no doubt that an All-Ireland title is imminent!

The club has not lost its agricultural connection. For the past number of years we have entered teams in the farm tasks section of the Clonmel Show.

Currently we are one of the strongest clubs in the region. Even though we concentrate quite a lot on Macra competitions, we have a varied social calendar organised at club level. Activities include:- weekly badminton in Moyglass hall, regular trips to Waterford Bowl, visits to outdoor pursuits centre at Kilfinane, club summer holiday, many club discos per year, and our annual Christmas party.

If you are almost 17 or over, why not consider joining Macra. Meetings are held regularly in the Tirry Centre on Saturday nights. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact: Ms. Patricia Morrissey, Cashel Road, Fethard. 052 31098 or any club member.