McAleese praises a ‘resilient’ community
She said many of those present carry burdens of worry and unease, but they also bring that wonderful spirit of resilience and transcendence of facing life’s ups and downs with an ethic of hard work and care for one another. “When the championships were born back in 1931, Ireland was at that time too facing great challenges in an unstable world.
“We got through them, not to a perfect world but to an improving world that sometimes went two steps forward and one step back and much more rarely one step forward and two steps back.
“Each of you has played a part in ensuring that Irish agriculture, the jewel in our industrial crown and the heartlands of our communities, is bang up to date and as strong as you can make it,” she said.
Mrs McAleese praised the “can do, will do” spirit behind the ploughing championships, which she described as a patchwork quilt of effort.
Even in these recessionary and economically difficult times, the championships attracted more exhibitors this year than ever before.
She paid tribute to the work of the National Ploughing Association, its managing director Anna May McHugh, her daughter Anna Marie, the Fennin family site owners, various public bodies and all involved in the event.
Meanwhile, older people working on farms were urged to maintain a positive outlook. Irish Rural Link , which is using its stand ahead of Positive Aging Week, issued the reminder.
IRL membership development officer Vincent Nally said the highest rate of farm fatalities generally involves elderly farmers who may be working alone for much of the time.
They in particular need to take risks to their safety and health seriously.
“Maintaining mental and emotional well-being is more important than ever, with the country having experienced the third bad summer in a row.
“When combined with longer evenings, low product prices and cutbacks to supports and schemes means, this means older people are particularly vulnerable,” he said.
Mr Nally said initiatives to contact those at risk of loneliness and isolation in a rural setting must continue, while maintaining the dignity of those targeted.
Positive Aging Week takes place from September 25 until October 3.
Health and Safety Authority chief executive Martin O’Halloran meanwhile urged farmers and their leaders to create a culture of excellence in health and safety. “Farming is a difficult but rewarding way of life. However, it can also be a very dangerous occupation.
“I want farmers to make health and safety a high priority and attending Teagasc training is a key step towards achieving this aim,” he said.
Labour Affairs Minister Dara Calleary said there is strong evidence that attending health and safety training will greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. “I know that farmers have a tough job and it can be difficult to make time for training, but the fact is that a few hours spent at one of these sessions could save a life or prevent a serious injury. From any perspective that’s a good investment,” he said.
Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle appealed to farmers to use its health and safety advisory and training services to the maximum extent possible.
He said Teagasc staff are strongly committed to assisting farmers to cut the appalling toll of tragedy, pain and suffering and economic hardship caused by injury and ill health, and to adjust to current adverse economic conditions.
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