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Embrace farm held the final stage of its 32-county “drive to remember” tractor run just after 10am on Tuesday. The tractor made its way from the Health and Safety Authority and Embrace Farm stand to its final stop at WR Shaw's New Holland dealership.
Since the drive was launched at Tullamore Show last month, the tractor, driven by members of Macra na Feirme from across the country, travelled 5,765km, visiting all 32 counties.
Macra president James Healy in attendance for the final drive, with Brian Rohan of Embrace Farm in the driving seat. Speaking about the campaign Rohan said: “We are amazed at the traction and support that it has gathered, the journey didn’t cost us a shilling in diesel with all the support we received.”
Wellies from families who had lost loved ones were carried around the country with the tractor. This was a strong message from the farming community according to Rohan: “It was great to see the support from the families that have lost loved ones to farm accidents, many of the wellies given had the names of loved ones written on them.”
Candle of remembrance lit for the opening ceremony
Embrace farm also held a memorial walk from the National Ploughing Association Headquarters in remembrance of those who have lost their lives because of farm accidents. Wexford Farmer Willie John Kehoe who lost a brother to a farm accident this day last year and Brian Rohan of Embrace farm carried the candles to the main band stand. Prayers were read to mark the deceased. Music followed from Sacred Heart Schools choir from Tullamore.
Opening Ceremony
Anna May McHugh Managing director of the National Ploughing Championships highlighted the importance of farm safety, “I invite you all to be aware of the remembrance candle which will be lighting over the three days of the event, it represents all those who have lost their lives as a result of farm accidents and I urge to you all to remember those who have died over the next few days”.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Michael D Higgins pleaded the agricultural community to work hard to try and If I had one wish above all else, it is that you would have a year free of farming accidents. So, I join with those who have paid tribute to those who have faced great losses. We must eliminate farm accidents, and we must work very hard to do so.”
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