Hundreds turn out for farm safety day
A scene of a young child trapped on a farmyard was one of the features to remind people of the dangers involved in the farm environment.
This was just one of a series of farm displays and demonstrations at the open day at the Carnew Mart of David and Eilish Quinn. The event, organised by charity Awareness Head to Toe, was attended by around 350 people, with some coming from as far as Galway.
George Graham, chairperson of Awareness Head to Toe said the main focus of the evening was on farm safety for the family, health and mental health.
Information stands on a range of farming services and organisations involved in health and mental health also set up.
‘This year the First Responders gave a demonstration and McCabe’s Pharmacy were doing health checks,’ said George. ‘This was very popular with everyone.’
Some 20 or more staged accidents, including a driver trapped beneath an upturned quad, highlighted the dangers around the farm such as a power drive, not applying a tractor handbrake properly, and working with slurry.
Also, a children’s safe area, run by IFA Farm Families, was busy too.
There were talks on various topics from farm safety to mental health. Speakers included Peter Gohery, a farm safety expert from Galway; Darren Carty from Farmers Journal; Jim Dockery from FRS; Bob Sheriff from Teagasc Gorey; and George Graham from Awareness Head to Toe.
A sincere thanks went to all who contributed to the success of the day, including those who prepared and donated refreshments; those who helped set up and dismantle everything afterwards; David and Eilish Quinn for hosting; all who lent equipment; the sponsors; the hard-working committee members; all who spoke or took part; and all who attended.