Memorial service for lives lost on farms to be held later this month

Farm families across Ireland are invited to join a memorial service for loved ones lost within the farming community

On Sunday, June 30, Embrace FARM will hold its Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service, inviting farm families to remember loved ones lost within their community.

Over the past decade, this service has become an important event, honouring those who have died suddenly and providing comfort for their families.

This year, the service will take place at 2 pm in the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, and will be live-streamed on www.embracefarm.com. 

It will also be broadcast on RTÉ One on Sunday, July 7 at 11.00am.

Continuing the tradition, Embrace FARM is asking families to submit the names of their deceased loved ones to be remembered during the service. Last year, almost 300 names were honoured in the roll call.

Embrace FARM was established by husband and wife, Brian and Norma Rohan in 2014, following the tragic loss of Brian’s father Liam in a farming accident.

The not-for-profit organisation is the first of its kind to support the farming community and families of Ireland who, like them have experienced the impact of serious injury and sudden death. 

Norma Rohan, Founder of Embrace FARM, reflects on the organisation’s impact over the past ten years: “Our community has faced unimaginable loss, and our Remembrance Service offers a shared space for people who have had a similar experience to gather together to remember and heal."

"Each name read aloud represents a cherished life and a family forever changed. Our commitment is to ensure that no one walks this path alone."

The network has expanded nationwide and evolved its services to meet the needs of Irish farm families in the aftermath of a sudden incident.

The organisation has engaged more than 600 farm families "with its comforting and supportive embrace".

"Since our first Remembrance Service in 2014, our services also now include support groups, events, and our Encircle Programme," Ms Rohan continued.

To include a loved one in this year’s Remembrance Service, please call or WhatsApp 085-7709966, or email info@embracefarm.com with the name, county, year of death, and a photograph if available.