Kilkenny Macra Na Feirme 1944-2008

Macra Na Feirme is a national, voluntary organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35. The organisation aims to promote agricultural and rural development and the personal development of its members. 2004 marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and over 250,000 people have passed through the ranks of Macra since its foundation.

Macra was founded in 1944 by Stephen Cullinan, a rural science teacher. The organisation's original purpose was to provide young farmers with adequate training to ensure their livelihood and to provide an outlet for socialising in rural areas.

 Kilkenny can lay claims to two firsts within the organisation. Mooncoin was the first Macra club to be formed on October 19^th 1943 and the first Macra Na Tuaithe club was formed there in 1952. The founding members of that first club set up included Michael Kinsella, John O’ Hanlon, Tom Fielding, Tom O Dwyer, Walter Crowley, Richard Kinsella and Ed. Quilty. Other early clubs include Kilkenny City in 1946, and Ballyraggett and Callan in 1947. The first county executive was held on June 24^th 1946 with James Purcell from Garrandarragh, Mullinavat as the first county chairman and John Hoyne from Ballyfoyle as Secretary. Kilkenny Hosted the second summer gathering in 1947 at which the rules and constitution of Macra were adopted.

Prominent past members include Seamus Doran, Tom Kearney- who represented Ireland in two Olympic games at fencing, and Richard McEvoy. Pat Dwyer and John Power of Kilkenny Hurling fame were past members of Callan Macra Club. Kilkenny are privileged to have two past national presidents of the organisation Matt O’ Keeffe from 1992-1993 and more recently Seamus Phealan from 2002-2003.

Macra is now organised in 8 areas: Leadership Training, Competitions, Travel, Young Farmer, Arts& Culture, Sports & Social, Rural development & Adult Education. 

Macra nationally, is a social partner farm organisation together with IFA, ICMSA and ICOS. As a social partner, macra has regular access to Government Ministers and senior civil servants. The organisation also has representation on many important committees and groups. In Kilkenny, Macra are represented on four boards – B.N.S. Leader, The Disease Control Committee, the Community Childcare Committee and the Kilkenny County Enterprise Board. While its primary role as a social partner is to represent young farmers, the organisation also raises issues of concern for all rural young people including current issues including Car Insurance and driving test waiting lists.

Recent Highlights within Macra in Kilkenny would include the hosting of the National Conference (or rally as it is more commonly known) in 2002 where over 2000 Macra members travelled to Kilkenny for Macra’s most important national event. In 2001 Kilmacow club scooped the highly coveted national club of the year prize. In 2004, Kilkenny also hosted the national capers final, where a packed Watergate audience watched light entertainment shows from Macra clubs from all over Ireland. In 2005, Kilkenny City won the National Bowling Title. In 2006, Freshford won the National Senior Debating Title. Also in 2006, Glenmore Ladies Basketball Team won the National Title & in 2007, Mullinavat won the National Title. Also, in 2007, Mullinavat won the National Public Speaking Title. In Oct 2007 Kilkenny City won the National Question Time Title. Another great highlight of the Macra Year is the annual S.O.S. Disco where Macra members organise a great night’s entertainment for members of the S.O.S, St. Patrick s and L’arche. Kilkenny Macra also organises many events raising money for local and national organisations both at club and county level. Since 2006, Kilkenny have being hosting the Mr Personality Festival in the Springhill Court Hotel.

Kilkenny County Macra currently has 7 clubs throughout the county with approximately 200 members. Each Club has a Committee comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and P.R.O . . . . Members are represented by a county executive consisting of 20 officers who deal with all programme area in Macra.