With the International Miss Macra Festival, taking place here in Thurles this coming August Bank Holiday weekend, it is not surprising that Mr Tom Ryan (Tipperary Journalist, award winning poet, playwright and short story writer), should take this opportunity to reflect on the 46 years of this festival; producing a poem of serious reflection; nay an appreciative accolade, to all the elegant country lasses / contestants, who have in the past, and will into the future, take part in this most prestigious of rural events.
Pictured L – R: Miss Josephine O’Dwyer, Miss Sinead Guiney (International Miss Macra 2016) and Miss Aileen Sheehan, all judged winners at the 45th International Miss Macra 2016 Festival’s Gala Banquet, held in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, last year.
Girl From A Country Place.
By Tom Ryan. ©Girl from a country place,
Loveliest in the isle,
Enchanting in your grace,
Elegant in your style.How shall I call you beautiful?
How describe your art?
Breath of heaven about you,
Proud courage in your heart.Loving the fields that bore you,
Faithful to home and hearth,
Always gentle for others
Struggling here on earth.Never afraid to smile
Whatever the time or place,
Dignified all the while,
Resolution in your face.Nature your guide and friend,
Its beauty like your own,
Something never to end,
Till Heaven call you home.Girl from a country place,
Loveliest of all,
Everything you touch is grace,
And even magical.
Well done Tom, what a beautiful tribute to International Miss Macra.