Macra has announced the candidates that will be contesting the presidential and vice-presidential election.

Following the close of nominations yesterday (Tuesday, March 4), Elaine Houlihan returning officer for the Macra national election, announced who would be running.

There are two candidates in the presidential race: Josephine O’Neill, Callan Macra, Co. Kilkenny and Conor Murphy, Whitechurch Macra, Co. Cork.

The Munster vice-presidential candidates are William Clancy, Borrisoleigh Macra, Co. Tipperary; Tom Long, Rathkeevin Macra, Co. Tipperary; Liam Coppinger, Midleton Macra, Co. Cork and John Lonergan, Glanmire Macra, Co. Cork.

“It’s brilliant to see two elections happening in the organisation for the role of national president and Munster vice-president," Houlihan said.

Andrew Dunne, Mountmellick Macra, Co. Laois was the only candidate for the Leinster vice-president position.

John Duffy, Three Parishes Macra, Co. Monaghan was the sole contender for Northwest vice-president.

As a result, Houlihan confirmed that both Dunne and Duffy had been deemed elected.

They will take over the roles from Patrick Jordan and Rob Lally at the Macra national annual general meeting (AGM) this May in Co. Clare.

“On behalf of the current presidential team I would like to wish all candidates the very best of luck on the campaign trail," Houlihan added.

Macra said that ballot papers will be issued to clubs throughout Ireland who are eligible to vote on March 14, with the count taking place in the Irish Farm Centre on April 4.

The dates for the election hustings will be released in the coming days.