Young Leitrim man crowned North-West Macra king

A young livestock auctioneer from South Leitrim has been crowned Macra King at the 19th annual Aurivo Northwest Kings and Queens competition.

Cian Connolly from Drumrielly took the crown for 2026 as part of the Carrigallen Macra association.

The 22-year-old suckler farmer who has been working as an auctioneer in the North-west for the past two years said:

“It was a very enjoyable experience competing with people from all around the northwest, and a big thanks to all the support we had behind us on the night, as well as all the kind messages we received before and since the event.”

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Cian was joined by the Macra Queen Laurie Curtis, who is originally from Kildare but moved to Rooskey in 2022.

She works as an excursion specialist for City Experiences and is also a singer and songwriter in her spare time.

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She has been actively involved in Macra since January 2015 and was previously involved in Naas Macra before moving to Roscommon. The newly-crowned Aurivo Northwest Queen is also the county treasurer for Roscommon Macra.

The event took place at the Radisson Hotel in Sligo last Saturday, with contestants coming on stage throughout the day to compete in a game of 'The Cube' at Waxies Bar in Sligo before they were interviewed by radio presenter Dave Duke.

The judges at the event included North-West-Midlands MEP Maria Walsh; Philip Hamilton, Aurivo;

Caroline Millar-Price, Aurivo; Breifne O'Brien, Agriland.