New branch of Farmer’s Haggart established in Inniskeen in Monaghan

This week, with the support of Inniskeen Community Centre a new branch of the Irish Rural Link, The Farmer’s Haggart movement was established in the parish of Inniskeen.

Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, this nationwide initiative was spurred on by the growing decline of social connection in local farming across Ireland.

The Farmer’s Haggart suggests that the best of change, brings the best of the past with it. Irish farming in recent years, as a way of life as much as an industry, has become much less social. 

The newly formed group believes that the time where neighbouring farmers worked together, did the odd job together, for practical, safety and social reasons has in many communities disappeared. Farmers no longer welcome their neighbours and friends into their haggart or farmyard for a chat or cup of tea as much as they used to. Sadly, the group added, the time of the ‘great neighbour’ is not quite what it once was.

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By revisiting the past, The Farmers Haggart looks to inspire a modest return to the ‘great neighbour’ concept of friendship, help and assistance in local farming communities. The goal is to foster local connections between farmers to further develop rural farming networks, and support community wellbeing.

Niamh Monahan, Irish Rural Link’s Farm Safety Community Champion for Co Monaghan was there to support and explain how the group will operate. One of nine regional appointees, Niamh is working with parish organisations across Co Monaghan to assist in the setting up of Farmer’s Haggart Groups.

“I’m thrilled to be here in Inniskeen Community Centre and to see such strong interest from our area in the farmer’s haggart. It is fantastic to see whole farm families out tonight, supporting each other.” said Niamh. “A big thank you to Inniskeen Community Centre for facilitating the event here tonight and thank you to our guest speakers for sharing such excellent and practical information, it was valuable not only in farming, but for everyday life.

"I think tonight’s event highlighted the collaborative nature of Inniskeen’s community, reflecting a community that supports each other and looks forward to continued growth and shared success for all our farm families. We are really looking forward to the next farmer’s haggart event in Inniskeen."

Niamh was joined at the launch by Community Alert Development Officer for Muintir na Tíre, Catriona Sinnott; Crime Protection Officer for Cavan and Monaghan, Joe Glackain; local farmer, PJ Fitzsimmons; and Alma Jordan, founder of AgriKids.

Gerry Dooley, Chairperson of Inniskeen Community centre said, “farming is a massive part of life in Inniskeen. We’re delighted to see this new network set up in Inniskeen and will support it in any way we can. It’s great to see the numbers that have come out tonight and brilliant to see people in the area getting involved.

Niamh Monahan adds that for those interested in getting involved, setting up a Farmers Haggart group in their own parish is very straightforward and starts with a local meeting.

If you’d like to see a Farmers Haggart Group in your parish please contact Fam Safety Community Champion for Co Monaghan, Niamh Monahan, or visit https://www.farmers4safety.ie/.