Roscommon man is new Macra president
Roscommon man, Seán Finan, has been declared the 35th Macra na Feirme national president.
Results of the presidential and vice-presidential elections were announced at the Irish Farm Centre, in Dublin, on Tuesday.
Seán, from Castlerea, is a founding member of Castlerea Macra and is national treasurer and North West vice-president.
Seán is the second Roscommon man to serve in the role, following in the footsteps of Laurence Fallon, who was the 22nd Macra president, from 1991 to 1993.
Speaking after the results were announced, current president, Kieran O’Dowd, said: “This was a great election, highlighting the best of Macra, in terms of leadership, debate, and enthusiasm. I’m confident that Seán, and the three vice-presidents, will serve the organisation well.”
Seán’s presidential term will run from his inauguration, at the Macra national AGM on May 9, in Loughrea, Co Galway, until May, 2017.
Seán said: “I’m honoured and delighted to have been elected the 35th president of Macra na Feirme. I have enjoyed every minute of the campaign over the last few months, travelling around the country, meeting members, and listening to their views and opinions of our great organisation.
“I look forward to serving the members of Macra na Feirme, as president, over the next two years.”
He said: “My focus, over the next two years, will be to lobby on the issues that affect young farmers and rural youth.
“I will work hard, as president, to enable the continued growth and development of all aspects of the Macra na Feirme organisation. I will ensure, through social interaction and participation, that the personal development of members remains at the core of the organisation and that we continue to produce leaders who will make a huge contribution to all aspects of society in the future.”
Results were also announced in the vice-presidential elections for Macra’s three regions, Munster, Leinster, and the North West.
Gerard Griffin, of Avondhu’s Mitchelstown Macra, Co Cork, was elected in the Munster position.
Caroline O’Dowd, from South Sligo Macra, was declared the winner in the North West race, while Odile Evans, from Johnstown/ Coolgreaney Macra, was elected vice-president for Leinster.
