Maria Walsh MEP, Denis Duggan of Macra, Thomas Duffy of Macra, Christy Doherty of Axa, Hugh O'Neill of Axa.

Macra's first outing in Pride Parade

Macra na Feirme is joining forces with AXA Insurance dac to promote LGBTQ+ rights at this year’s Pride Parade on 29th June. This marks the first year the rural youth and young farmer’s organisation will take part in Pride. 
Macra na Feirme National president, Thomas Duffy said: “We are delighted to partner with AXA Insurance in promoting equality and LGBTQ+ rights at this year’s annual Pride Parade.  It is an exciting time for Macra na Feirme and our members who are encouraged to participate with us on the day in our first Pride Parade.  

"We would also like to acknowledge Massey Ferguson for supplying a tractor which will be rainbow wrapped for the occasion, and to leading Irish trailer manufacturer, Lynch Trailers in Cork for supplying a trailer for the day which too will be rainbow wrapped.  To our knowledge, this will be not just a first for Macra na Feirme, but the first rainbow tractor and trailer to enter a Pride Parade in the UK or Ireland.”

Macra na Feirme were joined by recently elected MEP for Midlands North-West Constituency Maria Walsh launched the AXA partnership for Pride 2019.  Maria is an active member of the Three Lakes Club in Mayo and said: “I am thrilled that Macra na Feirme are participating in this year’s Pride Parade.  It sends a very important message to LGBTQ+ young people in rural Ireland, that you are welcome, included and celebrated in an organisation like Macra na Feirme.  I compliment and congratulate the leadership of Macra na Feirme on taking the initiative to participate this year, and hope that it is the first of many!”.

Direct, Partner and Customer Experience Director at AXA Insurance, Antoinette McDonald said: “AXA Insurance is excited to participate with Macra na Feirme in this year’s Pride Parade.  We’re also delighted to announce our silver sponsorship of Dublin Pride 2019 where we will be supporting our LGBTQ+ employees and customers and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Pride is built on self-belief, courage and determination, and this is no more evident than in the Farming community, and we’re thrilled to be a part of an event that celebrates these traits. We are looking forward to a great day on Saturday.’’

“It will be great to see our rainbow MF tractor taking part in the parade alongside Macra na Feirme,” said Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager. “It will be a powerful symbol to promote LGBTQ+ and show our support for young farmers.”        

 To register to take part in the parade with Macra, please visit www.macra.ie for more information.