Dancing the blues away

FARMING can be a lonely, and stressful occupation and each year we hear of deaths where farmers have taken their own lives when they think there is no other way out of the situation they find themselves in.

“We all know that farmers will spend money on their animals but they are the last to spend money on themselves,” commented Martina Harrington of Teagasc, organiser of the farm walk last week.

“Farming is an incredibly tough job and they all need to look after their health, both physically and mentally, and we actively encourage farmers, especially during the long evenings, to do something for themselves like go for a walk, or meet friends. We also encourage them to get regular check-ups with the doctor.”

Dancing is another outlet where farmers, both male and female, can socialise and meet new people. “I have never seen as many people from the farming community take up dancing as I have in recent years,” said Declan Flanagan of Dancing with Declan which specialises in country jiving and ballroom dancing in the south-east of the country.

“Farmers as a rule are not big drinkers but we have found that they really love their dancing. It is a big thing for a man to join on their own, but instead of having too many women at times, we find the interest from men from the farming community is massive, which is fantastic to see. We are also seeing older farming couples join us,” he said.