Fit Farmers

09/01/2026

UPDATE: Mercosur Protest – Athlone – 10th Jan 2026

The “No to Mercosur” Protest will take place this Saturday, 10th Jan, in Athlone.

IFA members and others travelling to the event by car can meet at The “Mr Price” carpark, Cornamaddy, junction 10. Eircode: N37 TK82 from 10am onwards. Our President and Senior officers will be there to join with members and others.

Tractors attending the protest can go directly to N61 Ganleys, N37 K303 roundabout.

The tractor protest is due pass the car park above and we can join the convoy on foot.

The convoy will then head towards TUS Athlone, where the crowd will hear from speakers including IFA President Francie Gorman.

We look forward to seeing you there tomorrow.

See map below for more information.

04/01/2026

The Westmeath programme concluded on 17 December, with all key objectives exceeded across health, fitness, wellbeing, social connection and lifestyle change.

This is a unique programme that works directly with farmers, shaped around their needs, routines and realities. Importantly, the impact has continued beyond programme delivery, with participants choosing to meet weekly for walks and peer support.

Fit Farmers shows what can be achieved when farmer wellbeing programmes are practical, locally delivered and farmer-led. Thank you Castletown Geoghegan Community Development Castletown Geoghegan Sports Hub Westmeath Sports Partnership for prioritising your farmers and commissioning me to deliver this programme, I know you’ll be as thrilled as I am with the results when you read the full evaluation report.

01/01/2026

The first Fit Farmers held in Westmeath concluded on Wednesday, 17 December, in Castletown Geoghegan, marking the completion of a successful six-week health and fitness initiative involving 23 local participants.

31/12/2025

As the year turns, may we move forward gently. Not rushing. Not striving for perfection. Just showing up — one day, one step, one breath at a time.

May 2026 bring moments of strength when you need it, connection when it matters most and space to rest in between the doing.

Thank you for being here, and for being part of this community.

Wishing you abundant health, joy and connection in the year ahead.

Laura

23/12/2025

22/12/2025

As I come to the close of another year with Fit Farmers, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude.

This year has been one of growth, connection and shared progress. I have seen so much commitment across our farming communities to moving more, learning more and prioritising health and wellbeing. Every step taken, every conversation held and every effort made has truly mattered.

I am also very mindful that Christmas can be a difficult time for many. I hold in my thoughts those who are no longer with us and those who have lost someone or are carrying grief or quiet challenges this season. You are not forgotten.

Thank you for being part of the Fit Farmers journey this year. Your openness, support and willingness to look after yourselves and one another is what makes this community so special.

I wish you a healthy, peaceful and restorative Christmas and hope the year ahead brings strength, kindness and continued wellbeing to you and your families.

Warm wishes,
Laura x

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17/12/2025

Talk about being out of your comfort zone…the sole female in a packed room of gents AND a Padraig Pearses blow-in to St Brigid's GAA Club😜‼️ It was all for a great cause though, as a new Men’s Shed is being established in South Roscommon!

Pictured here is Pat Towey, Ballaghaderreen Mens Shede benefits of becoming a member to all in attendance before TP O’Gorman from Kilbeggan Shed explained the stages involved in setting up a Men’s Shed with some valued practical advice and guidance to new members.

I was invited to share a little about the benefits of being a “shedder” for emotional and social health, my nerves dissipated upon seeing so many of my Fit Farmers friends amongst the audience. “Your new shed will foster - a sense of purpose or meaning in life that comes from doing what you value and enjoy, which supports wellbeing, motivation and positive ageing. It will certainly do you no harm, embrace it, enjoy it and may we be celebrating the success of your first year this time next December!”

Thank you for having me, my very best wishes to all embarking on this exciting new journey!

15/12/2025

We stepped into Christmas with a sprightly 6K in a festive tonight! This wrapped our 6 weeks of farm of 5k as part of our programme!

Have really enjoyed our walks and talks these past few weeks, excited to celebrate the success of this group on Wednesday night! St Malachys Gaa Pitch Castletown Geoghegan Sports Hub Castletown Geoghegan Hurling Official Castletown Geoghegan Community Development Westmeath Sports Partnership Westmeath IFA Ray Dolan from Mullingar in Mullingar

15/12/2025

🚨 News Alert – Men of Kiltoom / Cam / Lecarrow! 🚨

Something new is starting locally 👀
The first meeting to establish a Men’s Shed is happening tomorrow night in St. Brigid’s GAA Centre, Kiltoom.

✔ Friendship & good company
✔ Share skills / learn something new
✔ Boost wellbeing
✔ Tea, chat & plenty of craic ☕

No commitment, no pressure — just come along and see what it’s about.
All welcome. Spread the word! 👍