Farming community commemorates lives lost and injured in annual service

Toddy Lawton from Cork with his wife Catherine (left) remembering his twin brother Martin, who died in 1969, pictured with Brian Rohan, Embrace Farm founder and Toddy’s sister, Mary Hearns from Abbeyleix, at the Embrace FARM, Remembrance Service in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on Sunday, 28th June. (Pic: Alf Harvey)

On Sunday, June 28th last, Embrace FARM held its Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service bringing farm families from across Ireland to remember loved ones lost within their community. Over the past 13 years, this service has become a pillar event for Embrace FARM, providing comfort for families impacted by a serious injury or sudden death on the farm, and honouring their memory.

This year proved no different, with a full venue of families and representatives from the Irish agricultural industry present in commemoration.

Continuing the tradition of adding names to the Remembrance List, Embrace FARM treasured the names of 410 people whose lives were lost suddenly from farm families. Year on year the list grows, and the space becomes even more important for those coming to recall the memories of their loved ones on the day.

Norma Rohan, co-founder of Embrace FARM, reflects on the organisation’s growth over the past 13 years.

“The agricultural sector continues to be resilient against all of the changes that affects its people both and inside and outside the farm gate every day. Our Remembrance Service continues to be a pivotal space for farm families to take the time to remember those they have lost or who have face life changing circumstances. It is our opportunity to give thanks and show our appreciation to the farming community when they need it most.”

If you or anyone you know needs Embrace FARM’s support please contact them on www.embracefarm.com, info@embracefarm.com or call 085-7709966 or visit on socials.