Macra holds AGM over the weekend

Macra na Feirme held its Annual General Meeting at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry, Co. Cork on Saturday, 13 May.

Several members retired from the board and new members were elected at the meeting. Tributes were paid to outgoing board members, Claire Gough (former vice-president Leinster), Luna Orofiamma (former vice-president North West), Thomas Duffy (former past-president) and Jonathan Dwyer.

Those elected to the Board at the AGM include: Caroline O’ Keeffe (chairperson), Stephanie Blewitt (secretary), William Buckley (treasurer), and Directors, Sarah Kelly and Sean Kelly. They will join president Elaine Houlihan; vice-presidents Patrick Jordan (Leinster), Aishling O’ Keeffe (Munster) and, Robert Lally (North West); past president John Keane and independent directors, Maria Cox, David Fitzgerald and Noel Flavin.

Outgoing Macra national president John Keane addressed those in attendance, ‘it has been the greatest honour to serve as the 38th President of Macra na Feirme.

The past two years has been a whirlwind. The importance of ensuring there is a strong voice for all rural young people has been a priority for me. Macra’s voice has been to the fore on many policy issues across farming and rural living. I thank all our members, stakeholders and industry partners for their support. I wish Elaine, Rob, Aishling and Patrick the very best of luck in their tenures. Macra is in safe hands and has a bright future ahead.’

In her address, incoming Macra national president Elaine Houlihan said ‘it is an absolute honour to become the 39th president of Macra na Feirme, to continue on the path built by John and the other 37 great presidents before him. I am truly looking forward to the next two years as your national president. John has truly done an amazing job as the 38th national president, he started by leading us out of the most difficult time for our organisation and he finished off his time by leading us from Athy to Dublin to secure our future in rural Ireland. I am looking forward to the next two years with my presidential team, Patrick, Rob and Aishling in driving the organisation to new heights with our membership.’

Guest speaker, Senator Tim Lombard said, ‘It was an honour to be a guest speaker at Macra na Feirme national AGM. As a former member myself, I’m well aware of the role of Macra in our rural communities and the contribution the organisation makes. It’s always a pleasure to attend events and chat to members. Congratulations to Carbery Macra on hosting the national AGM and doing a super job. I want to commend and thank