Macra na Feirme Annual General Meeting marks its 80th anniversary
Members of the Macra Board of directors, from left: Andrew Dunne vice chairperson, Paddy Jordan Leinster vice president, Aishling O’Keeffe Munster vice president, Elaine Houlihan national president, Josephine O’Neill national chairperson, Stephanie Blewitt national secretary, Robert Lally North West vice president, Shane Dolphin, board member, and Hugh Brown, national treasurer.
The Annual General Meeting of Macra na Feirme took place in Farnham Estate, County Cavan recently, and it had very special significance.
In addition to serving its regular, annual purpose, the meeting also served to mark the 80th anniversary of the organisation that is intrinsic to the success of the Irish farming sector.
The AGM was well attended, with 82 delegates registered.
This made for good debate and discussions throughout the day.
The celebrations continued into the night with over 160 members and friends sitting down to an exceptional banquet.
Speaking at the meeting Macra President, Elaine Houlihan said: “At our AGM each year we see changes in our board with new board members elected by our delegates."
"I would like to welcome Josephine O’Neill as our new national chairperson, Stephanie Blewitt as our national secretary, Hugh Brown as our new treasurer, and Andrew Dunne and Shane Dolphin as new board members," she said.
In welcoming the new board members, Ms Houlihan went on to thank all of the outgoing board members and former National County Representatives.
She also highlighted how the success of the organisations relies heavily on the dedication of people who give their time voluntarily to keep everything on track.
“I cannot thank enough our members who so freely give of their time, who are the lifeblood of our organisation and who have kept the wheels on the wagon for the last 80 years," she said.
Reflecting on 2023, Ms Houlihan said it was a year that was financially challenging for Macra na Feirme, as it was for many organisations.
"Having said that, plans are in place to ensure the financial sustainability of Macra," she said.
"The majority of the deficit that was experienced by Macra in 2023, was historical in nature," she added.
Ms Houlihan went on to thank Cavan Macra for arranging the Annual General Meeting in the lovely surroundings of Farnham estate.
“We could have not been made more welcome, nothing was too big an ask for either Cavan Macra or the hotel," she said.
She also acknowledged the fact the AGM was sponsored by Lakelands Dairies, and with that in mind she went on to comment: "Without the support of friends such as Lakelands, it would not be possible to run AGMs and other events at the high standards that they are ran."
"This is the continuation of a relationship between Macra and Lakelands," said Ms Houlihan.
In the final part of her address she quoted something she spotted on a poster designed by a Macra member and stated: "It started with farmers and continues with friends.”
