The three new vice-presidents will take up their positions alongside president-elect John Keane at Macra na Feirme’s national AGM on 15 May.

National president: John Keane

John Keane is a full-time dairy and beef farmer from Co Laois and a member of the Devil’s Bit Macra Club in North Tipperary.

He is the current national chair of the Macra na Feirme board of directors. John is the co-founder of the ‘Make the Moove Initiative’, a farmer-driven, farmer-led programme promoting positive mental health among farmers and rural people, with the ultimate goal of a nationwide network.

John is an active member of the organisation – he is the current treasurer for his local club, as well as being the national council representative for North Tipperary since 2018.

John also sits on the ag affairs committee and was the previous chairperson of the committee. Aside from Macra, John is also a member of his local GAA club Rathdowney/Errill.

Munster vice president: Elaine Houlihan

Elaine Houlihan from Kilmallock, Co Limerick, is a physiotherapist, a part-time farmer and provides secretarial assistance for a TD. Elaine joined Kilmallock Macra in 2014 and since joining has been an active member at club, county and national level. Elaine has a keen interest in physical and mental health, agriculture, volunteering and politics, and has recently completed the Green Cert in Pallaskenry Agricultural College.

Elaine currently sits on the national competitions committee, is the chairperson for Limerick Macra and PRO of her local club Kilmallock.

Northwest vice president: Luna Orofiamma

Luna is a financial consultant and sheep farmer, and is a member of her local Ramor Macra club. Luna has been involved in Macra for over 10 years and has held numerous club and county positions throughout her years of membership.

Luna has a keen interest in the agricultural affairs of Macra, being part of the delegation which met with the EU Commission to discuss young farmers’ views and concerns on the CAP reform in 2018 and attendingthe fifth European Congress of Young Farmers in Brussels. Outside of Macra, Luna is a first aider with the Irish Red Cross, volunteers with the DSPCA and is involved in fundraising for many charities.

Leinster vice president: Claire Gough

Claire Gough is a clerical officer from Athboy, Co Meath, and has been a member of her local Athboy Macra club since 2011. Claire has held many officer roles at both club, county and national level, including sitting on the Board of Macra na Feirme, the governance committee and the competitions committee.

Claire is the outgoing national secretary of the national board of Macra na Feirme, a position she has held for the past two years. Claire is an active member, having presided or competed in all Macra competitions, as well as being involved in the organising of the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival and the National Talent Competition.