Macra volunteers honoured at National Leadership Awards
Macra national president Josephine O’Neill with the 2025 Macra National Leadership Award recipients Tom Long, James McElearney, and Joanne Teehan.
Macra na Feirme has recognised the dedication, leadership, and volunteerism from its members recently at the National Training Day.
The day featured the final of the Macra National Leadership Awards, where finalists completed a problem-solving session followed by individual interviews with the judging panel. Each finalist was honoured with a President’s Medal, with three exceptional members going on to receive the prestigious Macra National Leadership Awards.
The evening also saw the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Awards, which recognise the unsung heroes in clubs, counties and regions across the country.
Several Munster-based members received awards for their contributions and commitment to the club.
The finalists who received the President’s Medal were Caroline O’Connell, Freemount Macra, Co Cork; Tom Long, Rathkeevin Macra, South Tipperary; Enda Shalvey, Maudabawn Macra, Co Cavan; James McElearney, 3 Parishes Macra, Co Monaghan; Jimmy Lynch, Callan Macra, Co Kilkenny; and Joanne Teehan, Mountmellick Macra, Co Laois.
The three lucky winners of the National Leadership Awards 2025 were Tom Long, James McElearney, and Joanne Teehan.
Volunteer of the Year finalists included Orla O’Sullivan, Banteer Macra, Co Cork; Lucy Killackey, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Macra, Co Clare; and Mary O’Neill, Waterfall Macra, Seandún, Co Cork, representing Munster.
Leinster was represented by Joe Foyle, Durrow/Abbeyleix Macra, Co Laois, and Sinéad Kinsella, Bree Macra, Co Wexford.
North-West Macra finalists included James McDonnell, Castlebar Macra, Co Mayo, Shane Dobson, Three Province Macra, Co Cavan, and Manus Connolly, Carrigallen Macra, Co Leitrim.
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year awards were given to Mary O’Neill, Sinéad Kinsella, and James McDonnell.
Speaking at the event, Macra national president Josephine O’Neill congratulated all recipients.
She said: “Our Leaders and Volunteers of the Year have shown exceptional commitment to their clubs, counties, and regions. They represent what it truly means to lead in Macra.
"They have driven their clubs, supported their fellow members and led with vision and heart. Congratulations to all those members who participated in the competitions, particularly to our Leaders of the Year and Volunteers of the Year.”
