New ‘Farmer’s Haggard’ group in Killererin

The ‘Farmer’s Haggard’ initiative is being promoted by the Irish Rural Link group and in Killererin, the local Community Council are also involved.

Supported by the Dept. of Agriculture, the movement was spurred on by the decline of social connections in local farming across the country.

One of the principles of ‘The Farmer’s Haggard’ movement is that ‘the best of change brings the best of the past with it’.

According to Irish Rural Link, the ‘coming together’ of farmers to get certain tasks completed has disappeared in many communities.

“Farmers no longer welcome their neighbours and friends into their haggard or farmyard for a chat or cup of tea as much as they used to. Sadly the time of the great neighbour’ is not quite what it once was,” Irish Rural Link state.

Maura Canning, Irish Rural Link’s Farm Safety Community Champion for Co. Galway was in Killererin last month to support and explain how the group might operate.

One of nine regional appointees, Maura is working with parish organisations across Co. Galway to assist in the setting up of  Farmer’s Haggard groups.

“I’m very happy to be here in Killererin and to see such strong interest. Thanks to all in the local Community Council for their efforts in bringing such a large attendance together.

“Whether it’s to arrange a bus to the ploughing, improve  farm security or to help each other out with the odd job, this group clearly has a bright future,” said Maura Canning.

Maura was joined at the launch by Teresa Roche, IFA National Chair of the Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee and Michael Haverty, IFA Vice-Chair of the National Livestock Committee.

Olivia Rooney, Chairperson of Killererin Community Council, told the meeting that farming was a massive part of life in the parish and added that it was great to see the new network being set up locally.

■ Setting up a Farmers Haggard group in your parish is very straightforward and starts with a local meeting. If you’d like to see a Farmers Haggard Group in your parish, please contact Fam Safety Community Champion  for Co. Galway, Maura Canning  on 087-6478771 or Visit https://www.farmers 4safety.ie/

*Haggard is a word used mostly in Ireland and the Isle of Man which refers to an enclosed outdoor area close to the farmyard where cocks of hay and stacks of corn were fenced off to be used for animal feed over the winter season. -FF.

Pictured:  A fine turnout for the 'Farmer's Haggard' meeting in Killererin.