Celebration event to mark efforts of Carlow farming families
Carlow Farming for Nature Project Partners
A CELEBRATION event was held to mark the efforts of local farming families.
Four families in Co Carlow have been shortlisted as candidates for the national Farming for Nature Ambassadors Network with the intention of having a local representative in the National Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards in 2026 Biodiversity officer Shaney Casey said there was a packed house for the event from both farmers and non-farmers.
“You could nearly feel the sense of respect build as each farmer was introduced, and their videos played, showcasing their innate passion for farming for nature. The gasps of awe were audible at times, and the admiration for these farming role models was palpable.”
Dr Brendan Dunford, from the national Farming for Nature Programme, explained how the positive contribution of local farmers to nature conservation and restoration is often overshadowed by the familiar and regular negative coverage, and this was the catalyst for creating and building a national Network of Farming for Nature Ambassadors.
From there, the four outstanding Carlow candidates were introduced. Saorla Kavanagh, from Teagasc and the EU-wide FarmBioNet programme, introduced Richard and Geraldine Brennan.
Marian Dalton, from Carlow IFA, introduced Michael and Margaret Purcell.
Brian Dunne, from Leinster ACRES, introduced Leonie Baldwin and Andrew Llyod.
Finally, Mary Dunphy, from Carlow ICA, introduced Eric and Catherine Osborne.
These farmers will now be considered for the 2026 National Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards.
Coilin O’Reilly, chief executive of Carlow County Council, and Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, both captured the mood of the room, when they reflected on how heartwarming and reassuring it was to have such local ambassadors for nature, and the desire to meet and celebrate the many other Carlow farmers silently working hard to care for the county’s biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Concluding proceedings, Bernard Jennings gave a resounding rendition of .
Mr Casey added: “Since the event, my phone and email have been inundated with messages of appreciation, particularly from the non-farming members of our communities, for revealing and showcasing the often-under-appreciated work of their farming neighbours, and encouragingly, with suggestions of more farmers to celebrate at next year’s event.
“This is what we want to see, that these outstanding farmers are acknowledged for their role as custodians of Carlow’s biodiversity and landscape.”
