13/03/2012 -

Macra na Feírme Honoured in County Hall

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Fleming hosted a reception to officially launch the 2012 Annual General Meeting of Macra na Feírme. Councillor Fleming also wanted to formally acknowledge the role played by Macra in communities in County Sligo.

Macra na Feírme was founded in 1944 with the objective of providing young farmers with adequate training to ensure their livelihood and to provide an important social and recreational outlet. Down through the years the association has been in involved in a broad range of activities from sports, arts and culture, drama, public speaking, education and rural development.

The Cathaoirleach, who himself was a member of Macra points to its dynamic and active presence in our rural communities stating that “as an organisation, Macra has always promoted best practice and innovation, and this is illustrated by the diverse range of programmes planned and delivered over the years. Particularly at a time of social and economic challenge, Macra’s ‘Pathways to Work’ initiative outlines a positive framework to develop jobs in the farming community.”
 

- Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Fleming makes a presentation to National President of Macra na Feirme, Alan Jagoe

Macra na Feírme has 8 clubs in Sligo and the Cathaoirleach pays tribute to “our own Kieran O’Dowd who was elected National Chairman, a role he fulfils with great integrity and professionalism.” Councillor Fleming welcomes the 2012 AGM to Sligo where delegates will have an opportunity to debate issues of national interest and experience the social and recreational facilities Sligo has to offer.

Alan Jagoe, National President of Macra na Feírme also spoke of the important role Macra has to play in rural communities in modern Ireland dealing with issues such as youth unemployment, road safety and mental health issues. Mr Jagoe complimented the Sligo Macra for their strong and active role in Sligo and was delighted that the 2012 AGM would be hosted here. He also thanked sponsors, Connacht Gold for their partnership and continued support of Macra.

National Chairperson, Kieran O’Dowd, who hails from Gurteen in Sligo, thanked Connacht Gold for their sponsorship highlighting their support as vital to the running of the AGM and other Macra events. Mr O’Dowd also wanted to publicly thank Cathaoirleach Michael Fleming for his support of Sligo Marcra na Feírme through the years. These sentiments were echoed by Chair of the Sligo Macra, Michael Kenny who thanked Councillor Fleming for affording them the reception to launch the 2012 AGM. Mr Kenny was confident that delegates would be impressed with what Sligo had to offer.
 

- Cathaoirleach Councillor Fleming makes a presentation to Kieran O'Dowd, National Chair of Macra na Feirme

Padraig Gibbons, Chairman of Connacht Gold was proud to be associated with Macra na Feírme. He pointed out that many of the members of the board had come up through Macra and it was a natural progression to be a sponsor of Macra. Like Macra they have worked in rural communities and Mr Gibbons wanted to take this opportunity to thank these communities for their support through the years and he looked forward to working together in partnership in the future.

The 2012 Macra na Feírme AGM will be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel over the weekend of May 12th.
 

- Members of the the National Committee of Macra na Feirme with elected members, and members of Sligo Macra at the recent reception.