The Rural Chaplaincy, led by Kenny Hanna, in partnership with local charity Dromara Connect, will present Northern Ireland’s first ever Lambing Thanksgiving Service and Family BBQ, at Rathfriland Farmers Co-op livestock mart.

This is a special event to which everyone is warmly invited: farmers, farming families, the wider rural community, and indeed anyone who wants to encourage our local farmers. The focus is on celebrating and giving thanks to God for the recent lambing season—one of the busiest and most important periods in farming. It also offers a chance to recognise the hard work and resilience of those who keep Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector thriving.

The thanksgiving service will feature music, reflections, personal stories, and prayers, expressing gratitude for God’s provision of the land, livestock, and everyone who cares for them. Afterwards, the family BBQ will provide a great opportunity for attendees to enjoy each other’s company, around locally sourced food, and with activities for people of all ages. A wide range of farm support organisations will be there, with exhibition/information stands.

Kenny Hanna, Rural Chaplain, commented: “Lambing season brings both challenges and excitement to farming families. Farm life is a busy life, so this Lambing Service will give us time to pause and reflect,

Kenny Hanna, Rural Chaplain and Louise Skelly, Trustee of Dromara Connect at the launch of the forthcoming Lamb Thanksgiving service from the lambing shed at Shanaghan Hill Farm, Katesbridge, Co Down

placeholder image — Kenny Hanna, Rural Chaplain and Louise Skelly, Trustee of Dromara Connect at the launch of the forthcoming Lamb Thanksgiving service from the lambing shed at Shanaghan Hill Farm, Katesbridge, Co Down

giving thanks to God for new life, our rural community, and the strength that faith in Jesus brings, even in the most pressurised of times.

“Everyone in the community is warmly invited. Whether you have a farming background, or simply want to support local agriculture, all are welcome to join in this historic and heartfelt event."

In John 10 verse 11, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026

Time: Service starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Family BBQ

Venue: Rathfriland Farmers Co-op, Island bog Road, Rathfriland, BT34 5PR

Admission: Free – open to all

For more information:

Contact Kenny Hanna – Rural Chaplaincy 07938 488372, Email: [email protected], Visit: Rural Chaplain Kenny Hanna on Facebook or Instagram, or Dromara Connect

on Facebook, for updates.

Contact: Louise Skelly – 07703210419 – [email protected]