Out of six finalists in the National Leadership Awards, the three winners were Colm Stenson, Eilis Ahern and Marie Murphy. The announcement was made on Tuesday night, at a special reception in the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Leadership Award winners," said Macra's national president Sean Finan. "This competition recognises the hard work and commitment of our young leaders who play a major role in our organisation and who often go on to hold positions in other national organisations. Dating back to 1982, previous winners include current Government ministers and business leaders.”

This year's six finalists were judged by a panel including Peter Byrne, CEO of FRS Network; Mary Cunningham, director of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI); and Neil Keane, president of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA).

Colm Stenson

Colm Stenson, from Eslin, Co Leitrim, was one of the founding members of South Leitrim Macra in 2009 and became chairman of the club immediately. He acted as county chairman also. He was elected onto Macra national executive in 2015. Colm is also currently club secretary of South Leitrim Macra.

He was awarded a silver leadership award in 2014 and went on to be awarded a gold leadership award in 2015. Colm participated in most aspects of Macra’s many activities and competitions, with the highlight being awarded the community involvement award at the FBD Young farmer of the year finals in 2013.

Eilís Ahern

Eilís joined Carrigaline Macra in 2011 and works as a supervising pharmacist. Currently, she is the club secretary and has held positions as the assistant and club PRO. She is also the secretary for the club’s annual New Year’s Eve Ball, which has become an enormous event. In Seandún, she is currently the PRO and has organised public relations and public speaking workshops. Her achievements include chairing the team and winning the final of National Debating 2015, Best Speaker in Team Public Speaking Final 2013, participating in Miss Macra, FBD Capers and availing of travel opportunities to the European Parliament and the Rural Youth Trip to Wales. She also does charity work for various causes, both within and outside of Macra, and enjoys volunteering in local community events.

Marie Murphy

Marie Murphy is a 26-year-old chartered physiotherapist who joined her local Macra club in Freemount in 2010. She was a club officer when Freemount won the 2014 Club of the Year and is currently in her second year as club secretary. Over the past number of years she has been heavily involved in all club activities and is proud to have played a part in the club raising over €20,000 for various local and national charities over last five years.

Marie served two years as competitions chair of the Avondhu Region and last year saw regional rounds in every competition for the first time in many years in Avondhu.

Commemorative trophies

The three winners were presented with commemorative trophies and will represent Macra on various international travel opportunities in 2016.

The six finalists were:

  • Colm Stenson, South Leitrim Macra.
  • Eilis Ahern, Carrigaline Macra, Seandun, Cork.
  • Grainne O’Reilly, Ramor Macra, Cavan.
  • Joan Marie Healy, Berrings Macra, Muskerry, Cork.
  • Marie Murphy, Freemount Macra, Avondhu, Cork.
  • Noel Duffy, Ferbane/ Banagher Macra, Offaly.