Laois Macra members shine at leadership awards

Two Laois Macra na Feirme members were recently recognised for outstanding volunteerism and leadership.

Mountmellick Macra member Joanne Teehan was awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for her work with the branch.

“Congratulations to Joanne Teehan on her well deserved win at the Macra National Leadership Awards in the Killeshin Hotel last Saturday night, following Officer Training,” Mountmellick Macra shared.

Pictured: Josephine O Neill President of Macra Na Feirme, Liam Brophy Portlaoise Macra and former Laois County chairman of Macra Joanne Teehan winner of National Leadership Award 2025 and former Laois County secretary of Macra.

“This award is a true recognition of Joanne’s outstanding Leadership, hard work and dedication to Macra at club and county level. Joanne is a teacher and guidance counsellor, and has been a member of both Mountmellick Macra and the county executive for many years.”

Joanne is a member of Mountmellick Macra since 2016. Over the years, she participated in competitions such as Capers, Drama and the club’s annual Pantomime.

In her role as County PRO for Laois Macra, she promoted Macra in local and social media. She actively recruited members to the organisation and endorsed the personal benefits of joining a local Macra club.

She co-organised events such as the Laois New Year’s Eve Ball in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Tour de Laois and other social events for her club and county. She was co-opted onto the National Rural Youth Committee last year and acted as Chairperson of the Events and Calendar sub-committee.

Here, the committee re-established the Macra Rural Youth Calendar and focused on themes to promote wellbeing, mental health, inclusion and other factors impacting young people across rural Ireland.

Also bringing pride to Laois was Joe Foyle from the Durrow/Abbeyleix Macra branch. Mr Foyle was the Leinster Finalist for the Volunteer of the Year award.

“Macra proudly recognised the outstanding dedication, leadership, and volunteerism of its members at a special awards ceremony held following the National Training Day in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, on Saturday, September 27,” a spokesperson shared.

The day featured the final of the Macra National Leadership Awards, where finalists completed a problem-solving session followed by individual interviews with the judging panel.

Each finalist was honoured with a President’s Medal, with three exceptional members going on to receive the prestigious Macra National Leadership Awards.

The evening also saw the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Awards, which recognise the unsung heroes in clubs, counties and regions across the country.

“Our Leaders and Volunteers of the Year have shown exceptional commitment to their clubs, counties and regions,” Macra National President Josephine O’Neill said on the night.

“They represent what it truly means to lead in Macra. They have driven their clubs, supported their fellow members and led with vision and heart,” she said.

“Congratulations to all those members who participated in the competitions, particularly to our Leaders of the Year and Volunteers of the Year,” Ms O’Neill finished.

The awards evening brought together members from across the country to celebrate the spirit of leadership, teamwork, and volunteerism that defines the organisation.

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