Macra na Feirme
Irish youth organisation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Macra na Feirme (Irish pronunciation: [ˈmˠakɾˠə n̪ˠə ˈfʲɛɾʲəmʲə]; officially meaning 'stalwarts of the land')[3] is an Irish voluntary rural youth organisation. It provides a social outlet for members in sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts, community involvement and agriculture.
| Formation | 1944 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Stephen Cullinan |
Region served | Ireland |
| Services | Voluntary youth organisation |
| Members | 13,500[1] |
President | Josephine O’Neill [2] |
| Website | www |
The organisation rebranded in September 2022 by shortening the organisation to Macra.[4]
History
Macra na Feirme was founded in 1944 by Stephen Cullinan, a rural science teacher. The organisation's original purpose was to provide young farmers with adequate training to ensure their livelihood and to provide an outlet for socialising in rural areas. Athy Town Hall became the national headquarters of the organisation in September 1947.[5]
The organisation has been involved in the establishment of:
- Irish Farmers Journal[6]
- Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association[6]
- Foróige (up to 1982 known as Macra na Tuaithe)[7]
- National Farmers' Association (now the Irish Farmers' Association)[8]
- Farm Apprenticeship Scheme[6]
Since its foundation, over 250,000 young people have passed through the ranks of Macra na Feirme.[9]
