Tipperary Macra member becomes National President

A member of one of North Tipperary’s leading Macra Na Feirme clubs has registered a runaway victory in the election to head up the national organisation representing young people involved in farming.

John Keane, a member of Devil’s Bit Macra Club, becomes the 38th National President of Macra, and in doing so follows in the footsteps of three other former members from Tipperary who previously filled the important role - Seamus Hayes, PJ Meagher and TJ Maher. The latter went on to be elected a member of the European Parliament representing Munster.

There was no disputing the winner when all the votes came in and the results were announced live on Facebook and at the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin on Wednesday of last week. John Keane secured 105 votes of the total poll of 117, putting him 45 votes in excess of the quota and well ahead of the other candidate, another Tipperary man, Daniel Long, a member of Rathkeevin Macra in South Tipperary.

“Thanks to all the clubs and members who voted for me, it is a huge honour to represent the organisation at this level,” said Mr Keane, who is a full-time dairy and beef farmer.

He paid tribute to his own family and to his fellow members of Devil’s Bit Macra Club and North Tipperary Macra members who, he said, played a crucial role in his election.

Speaking after the count, Mr Keane said: “Thanks to my family who have supported me always and especially throughout my campaign. I could not have done this without the support of my fellow members in Devil’s Bit and North Tipperary Macra. . . I look forward to working with members, volunteers, staff, incoming vice-presidents and partners throughout my term.”

Current National President Thomas Duffy congratulated Mr Keane on his appointment and wished him well during his term of office. Mr Duffy, who presided over the election, also congratulated the new Vice Presidents elected to represent the different regions around the country. “I know that all the candidates elected will be able to meet the challenges and lead Macra to greater heights. Well done to all candidates who put themselves forward for the election.”

John Keane will take up his role as National President at Macra’s National AGM on May 15th when the various Vice Presidents will also take up their roles. Coincidentally, the CEO of Macra, Denis Duggan, happens to be a native of North Tipperary, originally from Burgess and also Borrisokane.

The new National President, who farms in County Laois, is the current National Chairperson of the Macra na Feirme Board of Directors. He is the co-founder and a member of the Make the Moove initiative, a farmer-driven, farmer-led programme promoting positive mental health among farmers and rural people, the ultimate goal of which is to develop a nationwide network of the organisation.

Mr Keane is the current Treasurer of Devil’s Bit Macra Club and has been a National Council Representative for North Tipperary in Macra since 2018. He also sits on the Agriculture Affairs Committee and is a previous Chairperson of that committee. Aside from Macra, he is also a member of his local GAA club, Rathdowney/Errill.

The election for Vice-President for Munster also took place last week, Elaine Houlihan from Kilmallock Macra Club securing the position. Elaine will serve alongside Luna Orofiamma, Ramor Macra, who is the incoming NorthWest Vice-President, and Claire Gough, Athboy Macra, the incoming Leinster Vice President. Ms Orofiamma and Ms Gough were both declared elected unopposed for their positions.