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RTÉ News
11-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Role of young farmers a highlight of Tullamore Show
Thousands of people turned out at the Tullamore Show, the biggest one-day agricultural event in the country. The event took place on the outskirts of Tullamore, at the Butterfield Estate in Blueball, and was officially opened by Tánaiste Simon Harris. He described the show as the heartbeat of rural Ireland and said that there are now 130 agricultural shows in Ireland. "What an incredible statistic to be able to say, and it's really showing the heartbeat and the lifeblood of rural and regional Ireland right across the country," he said. Organisers expected in excess of 50,000 people to pass through the gates by the end of yesterday. They also said the show surpassed all expectations with the number of entries to the event's competitions across the various sections exceeding 5,000. The national livestock show is a chance to display pedigree cattle considered to be amongst the best in Europe as well as the best in horses, poultry and farm produce. Emphasis of role of young farmers This year, there was a strong emphasis on the role of young farmers in delivering sustainable change, with young farmers highlighting generational renewal, succession and youth-led innovation. Christopher Cahill, a dairy farmer from Cavan, is in a shared farming partnership in Co Westmeath. "In 2022 I started a dairy farm partnership with the landowner, so he owns the land and the facilities, and I own the stock, and we're in a share farming partnership," he explained. "We're in our fourth year of that now and that has opened the door to me. It has given me a pathway into farming. "I'm not directly from a farming background, so I suppose the idea of succession and pathways for young farmers to get into agriculture and get into farming, that don't come from directly from a farming background, is also something that we face in today's world." The Farm Safety Live event which has been developed by FRS Co-Op, the Health and Safety Authority and FBD Insurance, in conjunction with the Tullamore Show, focused on chainsaw safety this year. It follows a notable increase in requests for chainsaw training following the severe storm damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year. "You see, a farmer might be tempted to go and cut a tree that has fallen, but a tree that has fallen can be equally as dangerous as felling, because you don't know what it's like inside," said Jim Dockery, Health and Safety manager with FRS Co-Op. "Some of them could be quite large, and with ash dieback," he said. "So when you cut inside an inch or so, you may find that the centre is rotten, so I suppose the message I would have for farmers is not to attempt to cut large trees or fell large tree, that's a really specialised business," he added. Concerns remain among farmers The show took place against a backdrop of proposed CAP reforms which were announced by the EU Commission last month. IFA President Francie Gorman said while the people are upbeat, there are still concerns among farmers. "People are good form, the weather is good and there's 100,000 livestock farmers in this country and and most of them are here today but concerns around CAP proposals from the European Commission are real," he said. "We need a CAP deal that's going to support that industry, and the concerns around Mercosur are absolutely huge as well," he said. "We need our government to honour that commitment in the Programme for Government to work with like minded countries to ensure that that deal does not go ahead" he said. Speaking in Tullamore, Mr Harris acknowledged the significant contribution agriculture makes to life in Ireland and said there are three big pieces of work to be done at European level. "There's CAP, there's Mercosur and, of course, there's a nitrates derogation and we represent a country that is now the largest single contributor for head of capital to the EU budget, and that needs to be recognised," he said. "In the weeks ahead, we will be continuing to build alliances at a European level to make sure that any future EU budget has a well funded and ring fenced Common Agricultural Policy. "We cannot lose sight of the fact that agriculture is not a nice to have, it's not a nice to do, it is an essential part of the Irish economy and its essential part of the European economy. "If the last number of of months in terms of turbulence, trade and tariffs have taught us anything, it's the fact that we now more than ever be supporting indigenous industry." Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers also attended the event and met farming organisations. Those attending the event were urged to be patient as they left, as traffic was due to be heavy.
RTÉ News
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Thousands expected to descend upon Tullamore Show
Thousands of people are expected to attend the Tullamore Show today, the biggest one-day agricultural event in the country. The event is taking place on the outskirts of Tullamore, at the Butterfield Estate in Blueball and will be officially opened by the Tánaiste Simon Harris this afternoon. Organisers says that the show has surpassed all expectations and the number of entries to the event's competitions across the various sections have exceeded 5,000. The national livestock show is a chance to display pedigree cattle considered to be amongst the best in Europe as well as the very best in horses, poultry and farm produce. This year's show sees the return of the Sustainable Livestock Village, which will be powered by Hydrogen, the first for any show or event in Ireland, according to organisers. This year, there will be a strong emphasis placed on the role of young farmers in delivering sustainable change, with Macra joining the village for the first time to highlight generational renewal and youth-led innovation. Although considered a mainly livestock event, the machinery exhibition at the Tullamore Show has grown in recent years and organisers say the machinery listing has increased significantly this year. Farm safety event to be held at show There will also be a Farm Safety Live event which has been developed by FRS Co-Op, the Health and Safety Authority and FBD Insurance, in conjunction with the Tullamore Show. The display will emphasise the importance of safety around farm vehicles, equipment and livestock with a particular focus this year around chainsaw safety. It follows a notable increase in requests for chainsaw training following the severe storm damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year. Experts will also provide hands-on demonstrations focusing on tractor driving and power take off safety, the safe use of quads and ATVs, and proper livestock handling. The show is taking place against a backdrop of proposed CAP reforms which were announced by the EU Commission last month and there is expected to be discussion around that at the show. Gardaí have issued a traffic management plan ahead of the show with the main N52 closed to through traffic on the day of the event, from the junction at Mucklagh to Blueball. There are alternative routes for traffic not attending the event. There will be four large car parks in operation across 240 acres and dedicated routes have been selected leading directly to the car parks. Over 50,000 people attended the event last year.
Agriland
05-08-2025
- General
- Agriland
Farm Safety Live to mark 10 years at Tullamore Show
Farm Safety Live will mark its tenth year at the Tullamore Show with a continued focus on practical, farm-based safety demonstrations. This year's demonstrations at the show will be officially launched at 10:00a.m on Sunday (August 10) by Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety Michael Healy-Rae. Farm Safety Live (located at stand L105) has been developed by FRS Co-Op, the HSA and FBD Insurance, in conjunction with the Tullamore Show. The display will emphasise the importance of safety around farm vehicles, equipment and livestock. This year, Farm Safety Live will also include a live chainsaw safety demonstration. This follows a notable increase in requests for chainsaw training following the severe storm damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year. Experts from FRS Co-Op's training division will provide hands-on demonstrations focusing on tractor driving and power take off (PTO) safety, the safe use of quads and ATVs, and proper livestock handling. Ben Fearn, operations manager at FRS Training, said the live demonstrations at Tullamore Show are 'a powerful tool for helping to change behaviours". "Watching routine practices and observing the potential hazards helps farm families and farm workers recognise and mitigate risks. "Continuous education and training is essential to foster a safety-conscious culture on farms. The Tullamore Show is an ideal platform for promoting these vital messages to a wide audience," he added. Data from the HSA data shows that farms remain the most dangerous workplaces in Ireland, with a total of 171 fatal accidents recorded on farms in the past decade. So far in 2025, there have been 12 farming fatalities, which is equal to the total number of fatalities in farming for all of 2024. Of the 12 farm fatalities this year, five (41%) have involved vehicles. Ger Hartnett, senior inspector at the HSA, said that "incidents on farms continue to contribute to a disproportionate number of work-related fatal injuries". "In the last 10 years, farm vehicles and machinery account for almost half of all farm deaths. "In order to keep reducing serious and fatal injuries in the sector, we need to improve the safety culture and behaviour on Irish farms. "The focus on farm vehicles, livestock handling, and chainsaw safety is a key objective of Farm Safety Live this year. "Giving these demonstrations at the Tullamore Show will hopefully help promote safer behaviour and help prevent future accidents on our farms," he said. Chelsey Cox McDonald, secretary of the Tullamore Show, said that "highlighting farm safety is a fundamental part of our show programme". "We hope each demonstration will help everyone to 'think farm safety' and work towards eliminating risks. "The number of families affected by farm tragedies each year is truly heart-wrenching," she added. Ciaran Roche, risk manager at FBD Insurance, encouraged visitors to Tullamore Show to visit Farm Safety Live. "We know that most accidents are very preventable by ensuring vehicles, facilities and work equipment are suitable for the work at hand, maintained in safe operational condition and by ensuring safe working practices are followed at all times. 'By showing farmers best practices this will allow farmers to implement these safety standards on their own farm and in doing so making Irish farms a safer place for everyone," he said.
Agriland
03-08-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Looking Ahead to the Tullamore Show Fbd National Livestock Show
As the Tullamore Show approaches, the team at FBD Insurance is looking forward to this highlight in the agri-shows calendar. Proud main sponsor of the FBD National Livestock Show since 2018, FBD Insurance's involvement underscores its dedication to promoting excellence in farming and livestock breeding. This prestigious show attracts top breeders and farmers from across the country, showcasing the very best of Irish livestock. Attendees of this year's Tullamore Show are encouraged to visit the FBD Insurance at stand L99, where the FBD team will be on-site to offer expert advice on a range of insurance products tailored specifically for farmers and those in rural communities. Packed full of exciting activities for all ages, the FBD stand is one you will not want to miss. Watch the video below to see some of the action from last year's stand. At the 2025 Tullamore Show, visitors to the FBD stand will have the opportunity to enter a competition for a ride-on lawnmower, while younger guests will love creating a masterpiece on the kids' colouring wall. Anyone passing by can also take a break from their busy day to enjoy the complementary tea and coffee station at stand L99. FBD Insurance is proud to support the FBD Speakers' Corner in the Sustainable Livestock Village. The expanded 'FBD Speakers' Corner' is running from 11:00a.m to 2:00p.m with short, farmer-led talks on sustainability, succession planning and protecting natural resources. A wide range of hands-on supports will be on display in the Sustainable Livestock Village to help farmers reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, and boost farm profitability. The livestock display features beef and new sheep exhibits, highlighting genetics, animal health and the benefits of earlier finishing. In a first for the event, this year's village is being powered by zero-emission green hydrogen, delivered in partnership with Offaly County Council and the ESB to reinforce the village's commitment to practical, low-carbon innovation. The Macra FBD National Farm Skills Finals take place at the Tullamore Show annually. Finalists who have qualified at regional rounds come to Tullamore, where they are put through their pacesonce again. The teams compete against other clubs as they carry out a variety of farm tasks, including fencing and safe tractor driving. Visit the Macra stand throughout the day to see the finalists in action. Farm safety is a key concern for FBD Insurance, and they are partnering with FRS, the HSA and the Tullamore Show committee again this year in bringing the Farm Safety Live demo arena back to the show. Farming is a demanding and sometimes hazardous profession, and FBD Insurance is committed to helping farmers stay safe. The demo arena will feature live demonstrations and practical advice on farm safety, aiming to educate and inform attendees on how to reduce risks and protect themselves and their families. The FBD National Livestock Show features all-Ireland cattle (pedigree and commercial), sheep (pedigree and commercial) and horse competitions. Visit the Livestock Village throughout the day to see the competitions in action. The day culminates in the Parade of Champions where winners from across the day are awarded with their prizes. See how the National Livestock Show went in at the 2024 Tullamore Show. At the launch of the Tullamore Show, Pat Gilligan, FBD Head of Sales in the Midlands & West region, commented that FBD was proud to be the title sponsor of the show. He added: 'The Tullamore Show is a true highlight in our calendar, celebrating the very best of Ireland's world-class livestock. "We are delighted to continue our close collaboration with the Tullamore Show committee in the lead-up to this year's event. "On behalf of everyone at FBD Insurance, I'd like to extend our best wishes to the organisers, competitors, exhibitors, and attendees. "Our team is looking forward to show day - we will see you in Tullamore!' FBD Insurance Group Ltd trading as FBD Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. FBD Insurance Group Ltd, trading as FBD Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
