Navigating rural life

Every year the Women & Agriculture conference brings together women from different counties and farming backgrounds. What connects them? Their shared experience of navigating life as a woman in rural Ireland.

At this year’s 15th Women & Agriculture conference at the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny, Trish O’Halloran, head of sales, Leinster, at FBD Insurance, reminded the 600 women of the bonds that unite them.

“All of us here are either a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece or an aunt. And it’s important that you give recognition to that strong, inspirational woman in your life that has moulded you and inspired you,” said Trish, reflecting on her mother’s journey of raising 14 children.

“Take pride in your work, prioritise your family, harbour a strong sense of community and most importantly, encourage women to have a voice.”

Women having a voice was a central theme throughout the day. Dairy farmer, Ann Moore gave this a deeper meaning, when she talked about dealing with childhood trauma. Ann received a standing ovation for her harrowing account of overcoming childhood sexual abuse.

Notably, her talk occurred on the same day that One in Four released its annual 2023 report on the nature of childhood sexual abuse in Ireland and the demand for services.

Space was created in a jam-packed agenda to give time for delegates to have a voice on issues they face in rural Ireland.

Deputy editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Caitríona Morrissey, and Jacqueline Hogge, rural affairs and investigative journalist at Irish Country Living, opened the floor for women to ‘have their say’. Many issues were raised, including childcare, mental health and suicide, pensions, domestic violence and the role of carers (see more on page 18 of the Irish Farmers Journal).

A carefully crafted conference agenda saw a range of topics covered, with plenty of opportunity for audience interaction. Delegates were hooked as Brenda Donohue recounted stories from on the road while reporting on CountryWide.

One of the key highlights was Bryan Dobson, giving a glimpse into the many moments of history that he witnessed while reporting on the RTÉ News over his 37-year career.

A live taste test and recording of the Farm Tech Talk podcast also kept delegates entertained. Janine Kennedy, food writer with Irish Country Living, spoke about eating “what is local, what is seasonal, what is plentiful."

Rory O’Connell and Regina Sexton reinforced the importance of knowing where our food comes from in their live cookery demonstration.

There was no possibility of an afternoon slump in Kilkenny. Gerry Hussey, health and performance coach, made sure of that. Speaking about the importance of mindset and movement, Gerry had everyone on their feet: a room full of women dancing and jumping.

The theme of this year’s conference was Changing Seasons, and delegates headed home just ahead of the clocks going back. But even as seasons shift, darkness falls and daylight wanes, some things stay the same – such as the ongoing support of this conference.