Recent Fit Farmers programme yields positive results for participants
Bernard Brennan, Ballinaheglish, who received a ‘Fittest Farmer’ award; Laura Tully RSP and Michael Greene who received a ‘Fittest Farmer’ award at the concluding night of the recent Kilmurry Fit Farmers programme. Pic. Liam Reynolds
The recent Kilmurry Fit Farmers programme was a fantastic success, yielding remarkable results for the participants and energising the farming community in Kilmurry and its hinterland.
A total of 29 farmers ranging from 37-83 years of age registered for the programme. It saw participants from Castlerea, Tulsk, Ballintubber, Ballinaheglish and other areas local to Kilmurry Hall attending the weekly sessions on Wednesday evenings over the six weeks.
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 the vital need for holistic wellness among the farming population in Roscommon. It goes beyond physical exercise routines, delving into mental health, nutrition, and community support. Participants engage in a variety of activities tailored to their needs, including group workouts, health-promoting workshops, and peer support.
A celebratory event was held at Kilmurry Hall to mark the conclusion of the most recent programme. Presenting a summary of the tangible outcomes on the night, Laura Tully, the Roscommon nurse who founded and facilitates Fit Farmers, explained to those in attendance that “one of the most noticeable changes has been in participants’ physical health”.
“Improvements in cardiovascular fitness and lower limb strength have been recorded in pre and post-programme testing,” said Laura. “In just five weeks, participants increased their lower limb strength by over 40% and fitness by over 11%. Regular exercise routines tailored to their needs have resulted in increased strength, flexibility, and endurance. These positive changes should lead to farmers feeling more energised and capable of handling the physical demands of their work.”
The programme was lauded as a ‘game-changer’ by Bernard Brennan, a Ballinaheglish farmer who received a ‘Fittest Farmer’ award at the event in Kilmurry. Bernard embraced a healthier lifestyle with outstanding results in terms of health indicators such as weight loss, waist circumference reductions and boosted fitness, mood, and energy levels.
“As well as making simple swaps to the diet, I would have walked nine miles three times during the week and spent most Sundays on Sliabh Bawn getting the steps in,” said Bernard. “The programme was excellent, with Laura providing all the motivation we needed to make changes and there was a great atmosphere in Kilmurry Hall,” he said.
Bernard hopes more farmers in the county can attend programmes like this in the future.
Janice O’Brien of Roscommon County Council awarded Healthy Ireland Jackets and goodie bags to the participants.
Noel Feeley, Roscommon Sports Partnership Coordinator, said the impact of the programme had been nothing short of transformative in Kilmurry.
“We are thankful to our partners at Roscommon County Council who fund the programme through The Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health. It has resulted in numerous positive outcomes, that have significantly improved the quality of life of the participants,” said Noel.
Closing the celebrations on the night, Laura acknowledged the input of all who assisted with the implementation of the programme at Kilmurry Hall, Roscommon Sports Partnership tutors James and Charlene, and Geraldine Greene for arranging access to the hall facilities weekly and for providing such a healthy array of treats on the final evening. Laura reminded all in attendance that contrary to the belief that taking time off for wellness activities may hamper productivity, participants in this programme found that the opposite was true. “By investing in your health, you can become more focused, efficient, and resilient in your work. Continue to take time for wellness so you don’t have to make time for illness” she concluded.
• Details of the planned upcoming Fit Farmers programme scheduled for autumn/winter 2024 in Elphin will appear on the Roscommon Sports Partnership website and its social media pages.
