Grieving families gathered to remember farm accident victims at the Embrace FARM Annual Remembrance Service last Sunday (June 26th).
Reconnection through loss was the theme of the 9th Embrace FARM Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service.
It took place at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
The support network welcomed families in-person to its annual remembrance service for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The most poignant point of the service was the rollcall of 255 deceased names of farm accidents and traumas.
Read out by Norma Rohan, with Angela Hogan, close families and friends of the deceased submitted names dating as far back as 1934.
Farm families present in person for the service lit a candle. They placed on the altar near the photos of the deceased that lined the steps.
Speaking at the opening address, Embrace FARM co-founder, Brian Rohan, said:
“The recent years have been difficult for those of us grieving the loss of a loved one with the isolation of the pandemic adding to the journey.”
“This year, we will again remember all those that trauma has impacted from every corner of our island.”
“Today, hopefully, plays a part in your healing. We give thanks to all who are making this service today possible: Fr. Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest at Abbeyleix & Raheen; Canon Patrick Harvey, Rector of Abbeyleix & Killermogh Union of Parishes; and Tina Cuddy, who is directing our local musicians.”
Candles and wreath
Minister Martin Heydon lit four candles from St Brigid’s flame. This candle is held by the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare and was re-lit as a perpetual flame in 1993 by President Mary McAleese, representing the four provinces of Connacht, Leinster, Munster & Ulster.
National farm group representatives read out prayers of the faithful in thanks and gratitude to all that support the agricultural industry in Ireland.
Besides, An Taoiseach’s ADC Commandant, Claire Mortimer, presented a wreath to Mrs Brenda Flynn in memory of her late husband Kieran and their immediate family.
Furthermore, Flynn family will take the wreath home and place it on their family grave as a mark of respect and remembrance by the island of Ireland to represent all the final resting places of our loved ones lost suddenly on the farms of Ireland.
Watch the Embrace FARM Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service on RTÉ 1 on Sunday, July 3rd, at 11.00 am.
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