Latest news with #MacranaFeirme
Sunday World
23-07-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Dad-of-three killed in tragic workplace accident named locally
Saul McElwain has been remembered as 'an absolute gentleman would do anything for you'. The Louth father-of- three killed in a workplace accident on Tuesday morning has been named as Saul McElwain from Ballynamoney, Carlingford. The close knit community on the Cooley peninsula have been rallying around his family and remembering the 40 year-old as 'an absolute gentleman would do anything for you'. Saul is survived by loving wife Sarah, daughters Naomi, Abbie and Jessica, parents Richard and Kathleen, brothers Patrick and Ross, sisters Miriam and Vivien, brothers-in-law Benny, Eddie, Mark and Alex, sisters-in-law Pamela, Aideen, Bernadette and Laura, parents-in-law Yvonne and Alec, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, the extended family circle and all who knew him. A member of a very well-known and respected family, Saul grew up at Killin, Jenkinstown, and attended Dundalk Grammar School, where he is remembered as being 'always kind and helpful.' He was involved with Macra na Feirme, making friends around the country, and was well-known in farming circles. He was self-employed and had his own lorry, and was working at a Dundalk business premises when the tragic accident happened on Tuesday morning. The accident is being investigated by the Health and Safety Authority. As news broke of his death, friends and neighbours have been paying tribute to the popular and hardworking man, who was 'always such a sunny person'. "Saul was such a kind, gentle soul — we feel so lucky to have known him over the years. There are no words for this kind of loss,' friends wrote on while others described him as 'an absolute gentleman and hard worker who adored his family and always willing to help out and advise us all ,he will be sadly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him,' one mourner wrote on Saul's remains are reposing at his parents' home (A91 N8YF) privately on Wednesday evening, July 23 and for public visitation on both Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25. Removal on Saturday, July 26 to Dundalk Presbyterian Church, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk arriving for Funeral Service at 2pm. Burial afterwards at Ballymascanlan Churchyard. Saul McElwain News in 90 Seconds - July 23rd
Extra.ie
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Macra claims young farmers almost an 'endangered species'
Young farmers are becoming an 'endangered species', the newly elected president of Macra has warned. Josephine O'Neill, who grew up on a farm but is now a teacher, said that fewer than 6% of those employed on Irish farms are under the age of 35. Macra, formally Macra na Feirme, is a voluntary rural youth organisation which means 'stalwarts of the land' in English. Pic: Josephine O'Neill/Instagram The organisation is a national network of clubs, offering social, community, and personal development opportunities for people aged 17 to 40. Ms O'Neill said: 'The number of young farmholders under the age of 35 is 6% and unless we act now, our young farmers are going to become an endangered species. 'One of the things we in Macra have been working on for years – and it's a drum that we have been banging – is succession and ensuring that there is a transition [of] the managerial position from the older farmer to the younger farmer in a way that's supportive. And it was something that we were delighted to see in the… Programme for Government last year, but it hasn't been delivered on yet. Pic: Josephine O'Neill/Instagram 'It is something that we need to see the delivery of so that our young farmers know there is a place for them. Ms O'Neill, a secondary school teacher from Callan, Co. Kilkenny, officially assumed the presidency of Macra on May 10. She added: 'One of the big things that has to happen as well is that we open the discussion of succession around the kitchen table more too.' Pic: Shutterstock In 2023, the Central Statistics Office reported that the 6% figure was even lower and that just 4.3% of farmholders in Ireland were aged under 35, while almost 38% were aged 65 or over. The average age of Irish farmers is 59 and five months. The data highlight a significant ageing of the farming population, with a substantial proportion of farmholders nearing or already past retirement age. In Switzerland, subsidies become limited to older farmers which ensures the topic of succession is addressed sooner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Macra (@macranafeirme) Ms O'Neill, the 40th Macra national president, said: 'We need to learn from other countries and look at what they do as we need to ensure that when there is a transition from older farmer to younger farmer, that there are two incomes that need to be supported there. 'We need to look at ways that we can do that to ensure the transition is going to be financially viable for both parties involved.' She acknowledged there are a lot of other high-income jobs around to keep younger people away from farming. Pic: Shutterstock 'That's something we need to work on as well to ensure that there is a brighter picture about farming in rural Ireland. That it is such an important way of life and it's such an important fabric of the Irish landscape. 'The work-life balance is something you can work on, you can cater towards yourself and we need to work on selling that to the younger person as well so that it is a bright future for them,' she added. Two thirds of Macra members do not farm. But Ms O'Neill said there is still a 'huge role' for agricultural matters in the organisation. Pic: Shutterstock Ms O'Neill continued: 'I want to represent the voices of those living in rural Ireland and those of young farmers to ensure that it is a vibrant and sustainable place for them to live, and the issues that affect them such as housing and rural transport.' She said she is 'passionate' about growing Macra so 'more people are aware' of what it has to offer such as Irish foods. 'I've lots of projects and partnerships I'd love to work on our the next two years as well,' she said.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath Macra prepares for its 38th Blue Jean Festival in Athboy
The three-day event in Meath will run from Friday, May 30 to June 1, featuring live music, family entertainment, and the coronation of the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen. The festival is set to welcome over 21 young women from across Ireland and abroad to compete for the title of Blue Jean Country Queen – a competition that celebrates community involvement, and rural heritage. Reflecting on her year as Queen, 2024 titleholder Alannah Finnegan said: 'It's hard to express in just a few words what it has meant to me being crowned the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen. The Blue Jean Country Queen has truly given me friends and memories for life that I'm so exceptionally grateful for. I've had a fantastic year of holding the title, and I've really enjoyed all the opportunities that have come from it. Ms Finnegan advised the 2025 Queens to 'Let your personality shine bright, embrace all the wonderful moments, and make some unforgettable memories and friendships.' Organised by Meath Macra na Feirme, the event is now in its 38th year and is volunteer-led, with strong backing from local businesses, clubs, and civic groups. Macra na Feirme is a voluntary rural youth organisation for 17-35-year-olds. It's key activities include agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts and community involvement. Festival Chair Paul Gill said: 'The people of Athboy really love this festival, and we are delighted to work closely with the Athboy Community Committee, whose passion and expertise set it apart.' Councillor David Gilroy praised the festival as 'an integral part of summer' for showcasing rural youth empowerment. 'Macra has provided a platform and an outlet for young people for generations and the Blue Jean Festival is just one manifestation of that.' Local musicians Rhythm and Sticks, The Fógues, and festival favourite Simon Casey will be among the weekend's headliners. ADVERTISEMENT What to Expect Friday, May 30: Opening Ceremony at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. Saturday, May 31: A packed day including a Family Fun Day and BBQ, karaoke at Flood's Bar, and contestant interviews in St. James' Hall which is open to the public. Sunday, June 1: The 'Lark in the Park' takes over Fair Green with music, a pet farm, toy tractor run, and children's games. The Gala Banquet and crowning ceremony will wrap up the weekend
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford man Tom Carroll was a devoted family man who always stayed true to his Blackwater roots
Tom, the eldest son of the late Denis and Mary Carroll nee Corrigan, was born in June, 1940. A Blackwater man and more importantly a proud Ballyconnigar man; Tom never strayed far from his roots or his love and understanding of nature. He attended Blackwater National School before embarking on a life of farming on the family farm. The sandy, dry land and small fields were a feature of the landscape of Ballyconnigar back then, allowing Tom to nurture his skill of ploughing and working the land. In his youth he enjoyed attending dances across the county and was a member of Macra na Feirme. In 1978 Tom married Rita Byrne of Crosshue, and the arrival of their four children meant they were inseparable while leading a busy and devoted family life together. Despite the hard work, there was always time for fun and family day's out. Tom also loved joking and playing tricks – dressing up for Hallowe'en, April Fool's Day jokes and in latter years Easter Egg Hunts for his grandchildren and their friends. Tom's love of the land and farming was evident throughout his life from milking cows twice daily, knowing their names and individual personalities to trips to the mart becoming a whole day out. His understanding of nature was ahead of his time from the germination of early potatoes to never cutting down a tree without planting at least one more. His lifelong knowledge and respect for the sea, tides and moon phases was never far from his mind, from time spent herring fishing and sea-prizing to understanding that all living creatures come into this world on a rising tide and leave on an ebbing tide. One of his favourite past-times was driving down to the strand to look out at the sea. Tom was a devoted member of St. Brigid's GAA Club Blackwater from his playing days right up to more recently being on the sideline supporting teams of all ages across all codes. From watching countless training sessions at the local pitch to trips to Croke Park supporting our county teams through good and bad days. A post-match analysis was essential - either to celebrate the successes or debate the questionable calls. Tom was an active member of Blackwater Ploughing Match Committee, Blackwater Game Protection Association and in more recent years Blackwater Vintage Club. These all related back to his lifelong love of nature and the land. Tom loved socializing and meeting people; he had a word for all ages and was never first to leave an event. He was well known by all visitors to Blackwater and was renowned for selling early spuds to the bathers (from either Enniscorthy or Dublin)! Family was very close to Tom's heart, and this was evident in the strong relationship with his brother and five sisters. He took pride in being head of the family and always kept in touch with cousins and the wider family circle. His sociable and welcoming nature meant that there was a steady flow of visitors to the family home over the last few weeks of his life. These visits by family members, neighbours and friends were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Tom's family takes great comfort and pride in the fact that he spent his final days at home, as he had wished. They would like to express their gratitude to all who assisted in this being possible. Tom was laid to rest in Blackwater Cemetery on Saturday April 19, following his Funeral Service in St. Brigid's Church. He was interred with his parents Denis and Mary who had passed away in the early 1980's. A beautiful rendition of Horses and Plough was sung by Senan Lillis, Matty Murphy and John Furlong during the burial; a fitting tribute to Tom's years working the land. Tom is mourned by his beloved wife Rita, his daughters Catherine (Vallely), Marion (Murphy) and Oonagh (Rowe) and son Denis. He is also sadly missed by his brother Mike, sisters Margaret (Hawes), Catherine (Howard), Anne (McLoughlin), Mary (Gillespie) and Stasia (Bevan); adored grandchildren Mikey, Tom, Luke, Aidan, Conor, Michael, Tomás, Mary Kate, Orlaith, Finn, Harry; sons in law Sean, Paul and Eddie, daughter in law Siobhán; sisters in law Carmel and the late Annie Walsh, brothers in law Roy, John, Austin, Charlie and Dave; nieces, nephews and extended family, neighbours and friends. Tom's Month's Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Brigid's Church, Blackwater at 7pm on Saturday May 17. The Mass may also be viewed online on
