As Roscommon Fit Farmers celebrates fifth anniversary Laura Tully says ‘farmers are now ringing me instead of me looking for them’
Noel Higgins, Ballydangan; Bernard Brennan, Ballinaheglish; Peter Naughton and Martin Greene, Moore, pictured at the finale of the Elphin Fit Farmers programme in Elphin, and marking the 5-year anniversary throughout Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
The Fit Farmers programme recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Established in 2020, the programme has had approximately 300 participants throughout the county, from Ballaghaderreen to Moore, Dysart to Elphin, and everywhere in between.
The most recent participants completed their six week programme of fitness and health education in Elphin; and the results speak for themselves. The 44 participants lost over 63 kilos and 116.5cms from their waistlines as well as increasing their fitness by 50% and lower limb strength by 60% in just six weeks. Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador was the guest speaker on the night and a big hit with the crowd.
Long hours, physical labour and the pressure of managing a farm in an unpredictable environment take a significant toll on farmers’ health both physically and mentally. The Fit Farmers programme aims to address this need among the farming population in the county. As well as simple physical exercise routines, it also explores mental health, nutrition and community support.
It is a programme that is filling a critical need as farmers, a hard to reach group in terms of health, are three times more likely to have an acute cardiac event, such as a stroke or heart attack. Furthermore, farming is listed as the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, with the majority of workplace accidents occurring on farms. By its nature, farming is an isolating profession which is a main driver for poor mental health.⯠Nurse and founder and facilitator of 'Fit Farmers' Laura Tully told the Herald she was delighted with the results of the programme, which also celebrated its fifth anniversary on the night.
“It is hard to believe it’s five years. As well as the participants from Elphin, we invited back some of the farmers from the other locations, so it was like a reunion. They came from far and wide and I was delighted to see them. It was lovely to hear how much the programme has meant to them. There is a real sense of achievement when they complete the six weeks ” She added that the next programme is now underway at St John's Community Centre, Lecarrow.
For Laura the greatest success of the programme has been helping to bring about a change in culture.
“There are loads of statistics about weight loss and fitness improvement, but it is the culture change that I am happiest about – farmers are now ringing me instead of me looking for them. They almost all know someone who has done the programme,” she said. “It is normalising looking after men’s health. That is something I am very proud of, It is a pleasure to do the work. Now we are seeing couples and farm families taking part.”
As well as improving their physical health, the participants are also building connections together. Another welcome benefit of the programme, the health importance of good social groups and being involved in hobbies and committees cannot be overestimated, said Laura.
“At the finale, I could hear some of them organising to meet up for a walk. After the programmes finish, local leaders step up and they keep things going,” she said. “People love taking their fitness to the next level, so who knows where they will end up."
Laura also thanked Roscommon Sports Partnership and Healthy Roscommon for the invaluable support.
While the desire to get fit and healthy is very laudable, misinformation about health on social media is a challenge.
“We all want to live longer healthily, we would all do anything to get that ‘golden ticket’, but we are not always sure what we should be doing,” she said. “Take January, people are doing crazy diets and exercises. But it won’t last because it’s not sustainable. That’s the benefit of Fit Farmers as we break down the proven science and introduce exercises that you can keep up.” As part of this, she is working on an app for farmers, “so that they’ll have simple, reliable health information at the touch of a button”.
“That is the new goal for 2025,” she said. “I am hoping it is something that we could lead out in Roscommon.” *To contact Laura about the programme, email lauramtully@gmail.com or call 086 347 4662.
