Thomas Duffy

Thomas is from Virginia, Co Cavan, where he farms a 90-cow dairy herd in partnership with his mother and father, Ned and Kathleen.

He joined his local Macra na Feirme club, Ramor, based in Virginia, at 17. He served for two years as the vice-chair of agricultural affairs sub-committee with special interest in policy formation where he was responsible for Macra’s afforestation policy. Thomas was also involved in Macra’s CAP 2020 policy document.

He completed a degree in sustainable agriculture from Dundalk Institute of Technology before completing a masters in environmental resource management from UCD, specialising in climate change and its effect on Irish agriculture.

Personal successes include winning the Macra national impromptu debating competition alongside sister Kaye and Grainne Reilly.

Steven Kelly

Steven Kelly is from Ferbane, Co Offaly, and has been a member of Macra na Feirme for over 10 years. Initially, Steven joined UCD Macra while studying for a bachelors degree in agricultural science. He then went on to hold the positions of club secretary and chair and UCD Macra enjoyed many successes under his leadership.

He has since held numerous roles in his home club of Ferbane/Banagher Macra and most recently completed a two-year term as chair of Offaly Macra where he is county development officer. During his chairmanship of Offaly Macra, Steven introduced the Offaly AIB/Macra agri conference, running for its third year.

Steven works for Greenvale Animal Feeds as technical sales representative dealing with wholesale accounts in Leinster and Munster.

Josephine O’Neill

Hailing from Co Kilkenny, Josephine joined Callan Macra four years ago and has represented her club and county in a variety of competitions, especially public speaking and debating.

Having completed two years as Kilkenny county secretary, this year she has taken a step back from county executive to work on a masters in food, nutrition and health. However, she still holds the role of club competitions officer and continues to be involved with the Mr Personality Festival and the Kilkenny Macra na Feirme hurling and camogie competition. Some of her Macra highlights include being involved in Callan Macra’s 70th anniversary celebrations, participating in and being crowned the 2018 International Miss Macra, coming runner-up in the 2016 national impromptu public speaking final and being a finalist in the ABP Leadership Awards.

Siobhán Gallagher

Siobhán Gallagher joined Macra three years ago and is a member of South Leitrim Macra. Currently PRO of North West Macra, Siobhán is on the committee of the North West Kings and Queens event, which is celebrating its 12th year in January. Siobhán has represented her club and county at public speaking, bowling, debating, capers and was a finalist of best new member competition in 2016.

Siobhán has been part of a number of events organised by South Leitrim, most notably the charity fundraiser held in May 2018 where in excess of €6,000 was raised for North West Hospice and Irish cancer research. Siobhán works as a manager for Bank of Ireland in Elphin, Co Roscommon, and helped set up a Macra club in the town.

Marie Harnett

Originally from Limerick, Marie has been living in Waterford for over six years.

She first joined Waterford City Macra when she moved to Waterford and soon after became club chair. During that time, she also became county treasurer.

In 2016, she became Waterford NCR and in May 2017 was elected national treasurer. Marie is in her second term as national treasurer. It is a challenging but very enjoyable role.

Joining Macra has been of huge benefit to her. Last year, she completed the Macra na Feirme Skillnet leadership for young professional course.

Some of Marie’s Macra highlights to date have been helping to organise club and county events and taking part in competitions such as drama, public speaking and sheep stockjudging.

Hannah Driver

Hannah Driver is a very enthusiastic and active person. Currently working part-time in Tullow livestock sales, she spends the remainder of her busy week on the home farm. Hannah has graduated from Waterford IT with an honours degree in Bachelor of Business and has recently completed a level 6 degree in agriculture in Kilmuckridge Vocational College.

Since the age of 17, Hannah has been very involved in Tullow Macra club and has grown in her responsibilities within the club, such as recruiting new members and taking position of important roles including PRO and secretary. Hannah does not shy away from using her leadership skills and this is also showed in her commitments to Girls Friendly Society, where she is a leader.