County Roscommon mart is venue for farmer health checks programme
IFA president Francie Gorman, IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs chairperson Teresa Roche, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, and project coordinator for Croí Paul Cunnane, pictured at the launch of the IFA Farmer Health Check Programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Croí.
IFA has announced the rollout of the IFA Farmer Health Checks Programme, following the award of funding by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the recent open call for farm safety, health, and wellbeing projects. The programme will be delivered by IFA in partnership with Croí, the heart & stroke charity, and comes to Castlerea Mart on Thursday, October 15th.
Speaking at the launch of the programme at the Teagasc Grange Beef Open Day, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD said that the success of the programme over the past two years demonstrated that engaging with farmers on their health and wellbeing at locations such as marts and shows “is a very effective way of encouraging them to prioritise their health. Early detection prevents health conditions from progressing and maximises your chances of a full recovery.”
President of the IFA Francie Gorman encouraged farmers to attend their nearest clinic and make their health a priority. "Following the success of the last two years, we are delighted to continue and expand this important initiative in 2026. The response from farmers has shown there is a real appetite for accessible health services delivered in locations that fit around busy farming schedules. Taking time for your own health should be seen as an investment in yourself, your family and your farm business,” the IFA president said. Chairperson of the IFA’s Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee Teresa Roche said farming could be physically demanding and often isolating, with long working hours and limited opportunities to focus on personal wellbeing.
“This programme is about making health checks accessible, practical and relevant to farmers where they already are. We want to encourage farmers to view looking after their own health as an important part of looking after the farm and family,” she added.
Those who attend clinics across the country will also receive a health information and advice pack containing practical information and supports.
