Remembrance Service
The Ecumenical Remembrance service on the last Sunday of June each year remembers those lost and seriously injured on the farms of Ireland. The event now in its third year will take place on Sunday, June 26, in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois. In addition to this year’s service Embrace are adding a family weekend for young children who have lost either their Dad or young sibling in a farm accident. The purpose of this weekend is to do something fun with the kids and bring families from similar situations together in an attempt to help them connect with each other and share their stories.
UFU president Barclay Bell said: “This remembrance service and family weekend is a huge credit to Brian, Norma and all involved in its planning and organisation. Farm accidents and deaths are not merely statistics. Behind each tragedy is a grieving family left to pick up the pieces and try to maintain the daily running of the farm. As we approach the summer months and workloads increase it is crucial that farmers remember to stay safe when working with animals and machinery. Nothing can ever replace the loss of a loved one; always take time to consider the risks involved in undertaking work on the farm.”