James Healy from Kilmartin, Donoughmore, Co Cork, has been declared the 36th Macra na Feirme national president. James is a founding member of the reformed Donoughmore club based in Muskerry, Co Cork, who have gone on to win Macra na Feirme club of the year twice. He is a current member of the national council and has served as Munster vice-president and national competitions chair in the past.

Following his election, James Healy said: ‘‘It is such an honour to be elected as the next president of this great and historic organisation. It was a hard fought campaign and I greatly enjoyed travelling around the country, meeting members and hearing their views about Macra na Feirme. The landscape of rural Ireland is changing greatly and I look forward to serving the Macra na Feirme members and moving the organisation forward for what is sure to be a challenging couple of years, particularly with the impact of Brexit.’’

James becomes the seventh Cork representative to serve in the role. He continued: ‘‘There is little doubt that joining Macra has played an influential part in making me the individual I am today. Through my membership, I have gained much from the opportunities provided and I want to make sure that these and more opportunities will continue to be available for all members into the future. For this to happen, we the members, must work together as a team to allow Macra to grow and prosper.’’

Leinster vice-president

Cara O’Mahony originally from Kilkenny but now national council representative for Kildare has been elected as the Leinster vice-president.

Cara is a co-founder of Naas Macra na Feirme and has worked hard to develop the club over the past few years. Speaking after her election, she said: ‘‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent Leinster and work with our members there. I am looking forward to building on the membership and clubs we have in Leinster and working with the new presidential team as we deliver on the strategic plan that will be ready for action this year.’’

Munster vice-president

Tom O’Donoghue from Cappoquin, Co Waterford, has been elected as the Munster vice-president.

Tom has served as county chair for Waterford for the past couple of years. Speaking about the election, he said: ‘I hope to improve on the number of young people and young farmers joining Macra, and I aim to engage with all members of Macra, across Munster.”

Northwest vice-president

Sharon Corcoran from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, has been elected as the Northwest vice-president.

Sharon is the current Macra national council representative for Mayo. Speaking about the election, she said: ‘‘As vice-president, I will follow on from my predecessor’s excellent work. I hope to increase participation, both locally and nationally, and promote positive mental health and farm safety through workshops.’’