Claire set to be Leinster Macra’s vice president
Athboy member is unopposed for national position
Athboy Macra na Feirme's Claire Gough is the sole candidate for the Leinster vice president's position in the organisation, with members currently voting in Macra's presidential elections. Luna Orofiamma of Cavan, well known in Meath circles as a former member, is running for North West vice president, also unopposed.
Claire, of Knockshangan, Athboy, has local and national experience with Macra, and has been involved in the Blue Jean Queen Festival organisation, as well as being a National Council representative, National Secretary, member of the Board of Directors, and the Governance Committee.
A silver and gold leadership medal winner, she represented Macra na Feirme at the Rural Youth Europe Rally in Scotland 2018, and at the COP 25 in Madrid in 2020.
She wants to be a a strong voice for the Leinster region at national level, and to use the current Leinster Forum in place to create a learning environment for all clubs and counties and formulate inter county friendships. Dhe poroposes to work in partnership with the training officers to support all clubs and help develop new clubs and improve and support existing clubs within the region; promote competitions in the Leinster Region as both a recruitment tool and member retention tool; and to promote and implement the work of the Inclusivity Statement being developed by the Rural Youth Committee.
She says: "I joined Athboy Macra na Feirme in 2011 for the competitions and I have stayed for everything else. It is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I have personally experienced the huge benefits that being a member provides, aiding me develop as an individual and providing invaluable opportunities and long-term friendships. I am passionate about Macra na Feirme and constantly improving the member’s experience."
The contested positions are for national president, between John Keane, North Tipperary, and Daniel Long, South Tipperary; and for Munster vice president, between Áine McCarthy, Imokilly, Cork and Elaine Houlihan, Limerick.