Kilkenny's Josephine bids to be next Macra President

A leading light in one of Kilkenny’s Macra clubs is setting her sights on the top of the national body.
Josephine O’Neill, who is from Maddoxtown, Bennettsbridge, is a member of Callan Macra and is running for the position of National President of Macra.

A secondary school teacher of both Home Economics and Irish, in Presentation de la Salle College, Bagenalstown, Josephine has a background in farming. She has been an active member of not only her local club, but at national level in the Macra organisation, in recent years.

From holding the position of chairperson of the Callan club, to winning the title of International Miss Macra, several years ago, just last year Josephine became the Kilkenny representative on the national council of Macra and chairperson of the national board of Macra.

In the 12 years since she first joined Macra, the organisation has become a huge part of Josephine’s life. As well as being the chair and secretary of her local club she served as county treasurer ad county vice-president with Kilkenny Macra.

Callan Macra was named Leinster Club of the Year, last year, and with her club Josephine takes part in many activities. She also helped to organise events during Macra’s celebration of 80 years as an organisation, with a ‘Know Your Ag Science’ quiz for secondary school students.

Rural Future
The future of rural farming communities, especially the younger generation, will be at the heart of Josephine’s plans, if elected.
“In the last few weeks, Macra has organised the public consultations on generational renewal. Building a rural Ireland that is vibrant and resilient for all young people and young farmers is one of the biggest issues facing young farmers going forward.”

With the current number of farms held by people under the age of 35 just 4.3%, down from 6.9% in 2020, generational renewal is a key issue for Macra members. As part of recent consultations Macra held a major meeting with members in Kilkenny, last month, to prepare a submission to the government study.

Local links
Josephine is the daughter of Eileen and Patrick O’Neill and sister of Aveline, Christine and Bill. She comes from a beef and tillage farming background.

Both her parents were members of Macra and are many members of her extended family - in fact she first joined when a cousin needed a team member for a Macra public speaking competition.

Nominees for the Macra Presidential Election will close next month and an election is expected to take place in April. There is currently one other candidate declared.