Waterford farmer announced as farm safety ‘Champion’
Farm Safety Community Champion Ned Kearney
A local man has been announced as a Farm Safety Community Champion.
The role forms part of a new new farm safety initiative from Irish Rural Link, focused on combatting labour and isolation concerns on Irish farms.
The Farm Safety Community Champion programme will equip local communities with a representative to act as a ‘Champion’ for farmer safety and wellbeing by offering rural citizens an opportunity to reach out and offer support.
One of these newly announced champions is Waterford local Ned Kearney.
Ned Kearney is a former dairy farmer based in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
He is now employed with Muintir Na Tire, working as a Community Alert Development Officer, covering the five counties of the South East.
His position requires working with local rural communities in all aspects of their day to day, assisting with the running of their organisations.
Ned previously worked for Irish Rural Link in the EIP Farmers for Safety Programme in 2022, earning him distinct knowledge of the issues with farm safety.
He also worked as a dairy farmer for 25 years in Castlelyon, Co. Cork, and now has a small stud farm where he breeds thoroughbreds.
The ‘Champions’ programme consists of the training of nine regionally spread ‘Farm Safety Community Champions’ from various backgrounds including farming, teaching, and community mentoring.
These champions will develop networks in their regions to connect farmers to their communities, delivering farm safety and well-being talks at local marts and community centres.
Irish Rural Link, CEO, Seamus Boland said, “The need for community has never been so important for farmers.
“With fluctuations in the market, inconsistent weather, and growing isolation, having the Farm Safety Community Champions will help build out our farming networks for a more connected rural society.
“We hope to see local communities take this as an opportunity support, strengthen, and sustain relationships with and between farmers for a more inclusive future.”
