Rebel members win leadership awards

Six Macra members from Cork received Leadership Distinction Awards at a special ceremony as part of county officer training.

The Cork winners were among 36 young people from across the county who were presented with the accolades at a gala banquet in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney.

More than 180 people were in attendance as Macra national presidrent Kieran O’Dowd presented the awards.

The scheme recognises the hard work and achievements of county officers working on a voluntary basis within Macra, with gold, silver or bronze awards being presented to those who achieve pre-set targets and pass an interview.

The Carbery region’s Brian McCarthy, a member of the Young Farmer Development Group, won a gold award, as did Ollie Cronin, treasurer of the Seandún region.

Petrice Dineen O’Leary, PRO of the Seandún region won a silver award, while the region’s William Wright of the assistant young farmer development croup, also took home the silver award.

Thomas McCormack, of the competition committee, who was representing the Carbery region, won a bronze award.

A gold award is the highest level that can be secured by a county officer, and makes that person eligible to be considered for a Macra National Leadership Award or to participate as a Macra representative on a number of overseas seminars, including the European Rally for rural young people.

Mr O’Dowd said: “The awards scheme recognises the hard work and achievements of county officers working on a voluntary basis within Macra. Congratulations to all our Leadership Distinction Award winners who were recognised for their hard work and dedication to their clubs, their counties and to the national organisation”.

Officers can now apply to be recognised at next year’s awards ceremony. It is a requirement that officers have been in attendance at national training within the last two years to be eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is October 24.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Macra website.

Macra’s Leadership Training Programme is supported by the Department of Education under the National Development Plan.

It aims to provide members with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for a leadership position.