Josephine O'Neill was ratified as the new president of Macra at the organisation's AGM in Ennis, Co. Clare yesterday (Saturday, May 10).

O'Neill, a secondary school teacher from Callan in Co. Kilkenny succeeded outgoing president, Elaine Houlihan.

Former European Commissioner for Financial Services, Mairéad McGuinness also attended the event.

At the AGM, McGuinness spoke about the importance of working together, thanked outgoing president Houlihan for all the work she did as president, and wished incoming president O'Neill all the best as she assumes the role.

After lunch, the outgoing vice presidents and sub committee chairs addressed the conference, and received presentations from Houlihan.

As outgoing president, Houlihan spoke to the conference, before handing over the chains of office to the new president.

President O'Neill spoke about her excitement as she takes on the challenges of the role, and made a presentation to Houlihan to commemorate her two years as president.

Macra CEO Mick Curran also thanked the outgoing presidential team, and expressed that he was looking forward to working with the incoming team. 

The day ended with a banquet, and an evening of entertainment and celebration.

Last month (April 2025), Tipperary dairy farmer, Sean Kelly, has spoken of his jubilation after being crowned this year’s winner of Macra’s famed Mr. Personality competition.

The 32-year-old told Agriland that he has been a proud member of his local Macra club in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, for the past decade, having originally joined the club while studying at Gurteen Agricultural College in Ballingarry.

The humble Nenagh native has accredited the organisation for transforming his self-confidence, which he has branded the biggest achievement in his Macra journey to date.

Sean Kelly explained: “I’ve gone from someone who would have had very poor self confidence, especially at a younger age around public speaking. The thought alone of speaking in front of a group of people would have sent me running a million miles away."