Popular rural Irish youth organisation announces name change

A popular rural Irish youth organisation has announced its name change. 

MEP Maria Walsh officially launched the rebranding of Macra na Feirme at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois on Wednesday September 21. 

With over 70 years of community engagement and 170 clubs nationwide, newly-named Macra aims to evolve with Ireland's changing rural and urban landscape. 

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Macra CEO Mick Curran said, "We are a membership led organisation that is evolving and growing to represent the needs and wants of our members, the new brand represents our commitment to our past whilst continuing to looking forward." 

Macra President, John Keane, called the new Macra brand "a blend of the past mixed with the optimism of the future". 

He said, "Our roots which stem back over 77 years to our founder Stephen Cullinane are grounded in education, forming connections and challenging the status quo. As we look forward to the future these values are at our core, coupled with new opportunities in connecting young people and creating an organisation that is a natural home for all rural youth.

"I am immensely proud of all the Macra team and members who work so diligently to progress Macra." 

Image: Macra Staff, Derrie Dillion, Assistant CEO, Kathryn Snell, Digital Marketing and Social Media Specialist, President John Keane, and TDO Jennifer Arthur pictured outside the Macra tent at this year's National Ploughing Championships.