By Michelle Crean

Not even a pandemic could stop a local group from continuing their connection and now, thanks to their hard work, the club are in line for a national award.

Killarney Macra, who hosted many virtual meetings, remote coffee mornings, online quizzes as well as socially distanced hikes and walks, are hoping to be named Club of the Year after reaching the national final.

The competition is designed to encourage clubs to be dynamic and active, rewarding their achievements and contributions at both a local and a national level.

Committee members Edmund McSweeney, Robert Lucey, Siobhan Deering and Ryan Jones were interviewed remotely last August where they described how successful and vibrant their club has been over the years and in particular how they have dealt with the COVID restrictions.

"In the past year or so we have held many virtual online meetings, coffee mornings where our members would gather for chats remotely, online quizzes as well as some socially distanced hikes and walks," Conor Brosnan, joint PRO of Killarney Macra, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Recently when restrictions lifted we had our first social outing at the Caddy Shack in Killarney where we played some mini-golf and enjoyed some food and drinks together. COVID restrictions have been difficult compared to how sociable our members were prior to the restrictions however, we have done our best to ensure that all our members are regularly contacted and kept up to date with what's going on and have encouraged the members as much as possible to stay in contact and attend any activities we've held, be it online or in person. We have even gained some new members during the pandemic which is fantastic and we are very hopeful once those restrictions lift that our club will continue to grow and flourish."

Some of the committee members will have to do another virtual interview with the judges and showcase the club with a possible presentation, he added.

"The date and exact content of what will be required is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to take place before Christmas."