Cork members sweep the boards at Macra’s national leadership awards

Cork members won all three prizes at this year’s Macra na Feirme/Bank of Ireland National Leadership Awards, recognising their leadership skills within their clubs and the wider community.

Whitechurch’s John O’Sullivan, and Mitchelstown Macra members Aisling Lewis and Gerard Griffin swept the boards at a special ceremony in Bank of Ireland’s offices on Mespil Road, Dublin. The winners were presented with trophies and travel bursaries worth €1,000 each.

“Macra has enjoyed a huge upswing in membership recent years. A lot of young people coming home due to the global recession, and Macra has been an invaluable support structure and social outlet,” said Aisling Lewis, 25, a process engineer who may run for Macra national president next year.

“It is great that two of the winners are from Mitchelstown, having only formed the club three years ago. Our Soap Box go-carting race has also drawn interest from all over the country. Last September, we did the Four Peaks to raise money for local and national charities.”

Aisling and seven other club members raised €4,000 for Focus Ireland climbing the four peaks in three days.

She is a member for seven years, and acted as chair and PRO for Mitchelstown. She reached the national debating final in 2011 and 2012, and was awarded a Gold Gaisce Award for her community and club achievements by President Mary McAleese.

Gerard Griffin joined Macra in Pallaskenry agri college. He is on the Teagasc Walsh fellowship programme researching education in Kildalton Agricultural College and he farms part-time.

With Whitechurch, John O’Sullivan has participated drama, public speaking, basketball and other sports. He has been club treasurer and chairperson, and help set up Seandún region’s two newest clubs — Leeside and Waterfall.

Macra president Alan Jagoe said: “It is important to encourage and recognise people who are making a difference and leading in their community. We are delighted to have Bank of Ireland Business Banking on board to support us in this area.”

Other finalists included Donal Sweeney, Carrigaline, Patrick Delaney, Portlaoise, and David McDonagh, South Sligo Macra.

Gerry Prizeman, head of small business and agriculture, Bank of Ireland Business Banking, said: “The calibre of the finalists is outstanding and we would like to congratulate all six finalists for making it to this stage.”

This year’s judging panel was chaired by ex-Macra president Sean Eustace, along with Seán Farrell, Bank of Ireland, and Ella McSweeney of RTÉ. Arctic explorer Sue Stockdale was guest speaker.