On Sunday, June 30, Embrace FARM held 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.
The service took place in the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Abbeyleix. It was live-streamed on embracefarm.com and was broadcast on RTÉ One on Sunday.
Continuing the tradition, Embrace FARM asked 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, with that number rising to almost 350 this time around.
Reflecting on the organisation’s impact over the past ten years, Embrace FARM founder, Norma Rohan said:
“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.
“Since our first Remembrance Service in 2014, our services also now include support groups, events, and our Encircle Programme.”
Remembering Kevin Banville from Newbawn, Co WexfordCatherine Kennelly from Embrace FARM and MEP Nina CarberrySharon Trimble and Patrick O’Connor from Roscommon remembering Lucy O’ConnorMary Ellen Grehan and Moira Feehily from Roscommon remembering Stephen GrehanRoisin and Carmel Smith from Cavan; Commandant Claire Mortimer, ADC to An Taoiseach and Brian Rohan
Timahoe male voice choir
Ally, Caolin and Evan Ryan from Upperchurch, Co Tipperary remembering their grandfather Peadar PurcellEmbrace FARM founders Brian and Norma Rohan with their children Liam, Emily and JulieAnne Kinsella and Stan Lalor, Minister Martin Heydon TD; EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness and IFA president Francie GormanMinister Martin Heydon TD; Teresa Roche, IFA farm family and social affairs; EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness and IFA president Francie GormanCllr Padraig Fleming, cathaoirleach of Laois County Council with clergy Fr Paddy Byrne, Fr Peter, Bishop Denis Nulty, Reverend Stephen Farrell and Canon Patrick HarveyThe O’Connor family from RoscommonThe Byrne family from Ballacolla: Linda, Danny, Alan, Valerie, Denise, Alfie and Jack remembering Mick ByrneMembers of Spink CCE
EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness; Brian Rohan, Embrace FARM founder; Macra president Elaine Houlihan; ICMSA president Denis Drennan and Commandant Claire Mortimer, ADC to An TaoiseachGay Doyle, John Byrne, Matt Doyle and Sally ByrneJenifer Tangney, ORNUA; Brian Rohan, Embrace FARM founder and Catherine KennellyMarie Clooney, Cllr Ollie Clooney and Brian Rohan, Embrace FARM founderNorma Rohan, Embrace FARM founder; EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness; Minister Martin Heydon TD; Macra president Elaine Houlihan and ICMSA president Denis DrennanAnne Kinsella, Teagasc; John Hayes, Brian Rohan, Embrace FARM founder; IFA president Francie Gorman and Peter Farrelly, FCIAll pictures Alf Harvey
