Great uptake on Fit Farmers Programme
Strength and fitness improvements
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This group of North Tipperary people pictured after they were presented with their Fit Farmers certificates at an event held in Carrig Hall to mark the end of the six week programme. Also in the photo is guest speaker Dr Martin Daly GP and course co-ordinator Nurse Laura Tully. Photos: Rose MannionImage 2 of 4
This group of South Offaly people pictured after they were presented with their Fit Farmers certificates at an event held in Carrig Hall to mark the end of the six week programme. Also in the photo is guest speaker Dr. Martin Daly GP and course co-ordinator Nurse Laura Tully.Image 3 of 4
Margaret Pardy and Pascal Guinan (participants in Fit Farmers) makes a presentation to Nurse Laura Tully during the Fit Farmers event held in Carrig Hall.Image 4 of 4
Along with receiving a Fit Farmers certificate, four people were presented with plaques for their individual outstanding endeavour throughout the six week course. Pictured here from left is guest speaker Dr Martin Daly, Brian Armitage, Nurse Laura Tully, course co-ordinator, Pamela Austin, Georgina Armitage, David Goulding.A successful six-week Fit Farmers Programme concluded in Carrig Hall on October 15, with 51 farmers and spouses from North Tipperary and South Offaly celebrating their achievements.
Participants ranged in age from 34 to 74, with women representing one-third of the group.
The programme was delivered by Laura Tully, founder of Fit Farmers and a nurse with 25 years’ experience. Established in 2019, the Fit Farmers Programme encourages farmers to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing through practical lifestyle changes.
Each participant received confidential health assessments at the beginning and end of the programme, measuring improvements in strength, fitness and overall health.
Weekly sessions combined health education with exercises focusing on strength, balance and mobility. Topics included nutrition, sleep, stress management and social wellbeing. Sunday morning walks also proved popular.
Results were impressive, with average strength improving by 55% and fitness increasing by 22% at the end of the six weeks.
Laura said: “Farmers spend their lives looking after everyone else, often putting their own health last. Fit Farmers is about making small changes that help them stay healthy, active and farming well for longer.” Also in attendance on the night was Dr Martin Daly, a GP in Ballygar in Galway. He said that he couldn’t stress enough to people how important it was to keep moving, stay on a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
The final evening included guest speakers, certificates, prizes and refreshments, celebrating six weeks of learning, laughter and friendship.