The national final of this year’s Macra/ABP National Leadership Awards will take place on Tuesday 7 February at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin.

The awards are organised as part of Macra’s leadership training programme. Its aim is to provide opportunities for members to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for leadership positions either in Macra, other voluntary roles or in future occupations. Last week, we profiled three of the finalists. This week, we profile the remaining three.

Padraig O’Driscoll

Padraig O’Driscoll is a part-time dairy farmer and a self-employed Quality Assurance auditor in the agricultural industry. He has been a Kilmeen Macra na Feirme member in the Carbery region since 2011. As chair of Kilmeen, he led the club to the Best Club of the Region award in 2012 and 2013. He was chair of the Carbery Macra development and education committee from 2014 to 2016. Membership across the 11 clubs in the region grew by 45% in these two years, making Carbery the region with the highest number of members in Ireland. Padraig is the current Carbery Macra national council representative. He is also leading a sub-committee of the Macra rural youth committee to produce the first national Macra policy on mental health and social isolation.

A key strength of his is bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and inspiring people to achieve things they never thought they could. Padraig says: ‘‘I believe there’s always scope for innovation and it is important that we, as youth, shape our future and not just react to change.’’

Colm Taylor

Colm is a 26-year-old dairy farmer from the parish of Knockavilla/Donaskeigh just outside the town of Cashel in Co Tipperary. He is a member of the Clonoutly/Rossmore Macra branch. The branch is well-known in Macra circles for organising the long-running International Miss Macra Festival each year. Colm has played a major role in helping to organise the festival since becoming a member in 2012. In 2013, Colm became chair of the South Tipperary Macra executive and is still chair. During that time, the region has gone from strength to strength. Colm graduated from the University of Limerick with a BA in Politics and History in 2013. After that, he attended Kildalton Agricultural College and completed a higher certificate in farm administration. Colm is a member of the IFA and his local GAA club. He has played rugby with Cashel RFC at underage level and is an avid golfer. Colm has a great interest in all matters, local and community-based. He is also a passionate believer that Irish agriculture has a bright future, with Macra na Feirme playing a vital role in developing future leaders and standing up to the many challenges facing young farmers.

Cara O’Mahony

Cara O’Mahony is a primary school teacher from Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny. She has been living and teaching in Naas, Co Kildare, since 2012. She says: ‘‘My most challenging and rewarding teaching role was working as a special class teacher for three years, teaching children with autism. This was a fantastic experience and it enhanced my knowledge and understanding of children with special needs.’’

Cara co-founded Naas Macra in 2014 and was elected chair. She has taken on numerous roles within the organisation at both local and national level and has been the NCR for Kildare since 2014. She was also elected on to the national executive last May. Since 2015, she has held the position of chair of the rural youth committee, which is a diverse and enjoyable role. Speaking about Macra na Feirme, Cara says: ‘‘I have seen people grow and develop as a result of joining Macra. It is more than just a social organisation. The six programme areas lend themselves to developing confidence, social skills and personal skills for members. Macra has given me a perspective on life outside of my career. I have met some fantastic people and been a part of some interesting experiences. I also love music, sailing and drama and am an active member of my local drama club.’’