Well-known agri journalist Claire Mc Cormack has joined AgriLand as its news editor.

She joins the team at a crucial time for the future sustainability of farming and rural development across the country.

Claire’s journalistic record is deeply rooted in rural affairs, agriculture and country life.

She most recently held the position of rural affairs correspondent at the Irish Independent and Farming Independent and previously worked as a prominent reporter with the Sunday Independent.

At these various titles Claire specialised in writing news, features and human interest articles across a broad range of subject areas – including agriculture, politics, rural rejuvenation, current affairs, business, health, education, international affairs, social trends and popular culture.

As a passionate sports person, Claire also regularly contributed to the Sunday Independent Sport section with a particular focus on GAA, minority sports and the role of women in sport.

Claire is a former recipient of the ‘Veronica Guerin Memorial Scholarship’ at Dublin City University (DCU); last year she was selected as the Irish recipient of the European Commission’s ‘European Journalist of the Year in Diversity Award’.

Claire was also nominated as ‘Young Journalist of the Year 2016’ by the NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards.

The Westmeath native, who comes from an agricultural background, also previously wrote for Time Magazine and worked in radio and television at RTE.

Claire is also an active member of Macra na Feirme club Hill 16, based in Drumcondra, Co. Dublin – where she is involved in many sports teams including basketball, badminton, GAA and tag rugby. She also contributes in public speaking and debating competitions.