Macra na Feirme
Macra na Feirme (Irish pronunciation: [ˈmˠɔkɾˠa n̪ˠa ˈfʲɛɾʲmʲə], officially meaning "Stalwarts of the land")[2] is an Irish voluntary rural youth organisation. The organisation provides a social outlet for members in sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts, community involvement and agriculture.
| Formation | 1944 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Stephen Cullinan |
Region | Ireland |
| Services | Voluntary youth organisation |
Members | 8,000[1] |
| Website | www |
History
It 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.
Macra na Feirme has been involved in the establishment of:
- Irish Farmers Journal
- Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Associateion
- Macra na Tuaithe (now Foróige)
- National Farmers' Association (now the Irish Farmers' Association)
- Farm Apprenticeship Scheme
- Irish Farm Accounts Co-op (IFAC Accountants)
- National Co-operative Farm Relief services Ltd
Since its foundation, over 250,000 young people have passed through the ranks of Macra na Feirme.[3]
As of August 2016, Macra na Feirme had approximately 8,000 members in clubs around Ireland.[1] Approximately one-third of Macra members are directly involved in farming, with males making up 60% of the membership and females 40%. Macra is a democratic organisation, with membership representation at club, regional and national levels.
References
- "Macra's Footprint in Europe as Strong as Ever". Macra.ie. 23 August 2016.
Macra na Feirme represents some 8,000 members
- "Macra Na Feirme history". iol.ie.
- "Macra na Feirme is an Irish, voluntary, rural youth organisation. Community, sport, travel, agriculture, public speaking, performing arts and community involvement. - Macra na Feirme". macra.ie.