
LAMA All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2025
Congratulations to Carlow Co Co were the winners in the Best Communality Wellbeing Initiative category at this years LAMA All Ireland Community & Council Awards.
Their winning initiative was the Carlow Farming Wellbeing Programme which was specifically designed to address the health, wellbeing and safety challenges faced by the farming community in Carlow. The initiative offered a range of services and advice aimed at improving mental wellbeing, physical health and overall self care in the farming environment.
Commenting on the programme Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council stated that it was a
“fantastic programme, that engages and connects with the farming community across Carlow. The physical and mental health of farmers often gets overlooked as the focus shifts to the demanding responsibilities of running a farm. The pressures of modern farming can lead to increased stress and concerns for both farmers and their families.”
Michael Brennan, Director of Services, Carlow County Council commentated
“With its combination of practical advice, health resources, and community connection, the event highlighted the importance of prioritising the wellbeing of farmers who are at the heart of rural life in Carlow”
The programme brought together a wide variety of stakeholders including Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Carlow County Council & Healthy Carlow (funded by the Department of Health), Leinster Mart, County Carlow Development Partnership, Embrace FARM, Teagasc, IFA, Macra na Feirme and Kelly Agri Consultants. The community centred approach combined expert knowledge, local resources and strong social engagement to deliver a hugely successful programme in which 347 farmers benefitted in 2024.
Further information on Healthy Carlow initiatives can be found here.
The other three shortlisted finalists in this hotly contested category were:
- Galway City Council – The Air We Share Council
- South Dublin Co Co – Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme
- Kilkenny Co Co – Urban Action Against Cancer (UcanACT)
The 19th LAMA All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2025 were held in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Saturday 22nd February. The Best Communality Wellbeing Initiative was sponsored by Healthy Ireland Local Government and the presentation was made by Vinnie O’Shea, National Coordinator.
Read more News stories from Healthy Ireland Local Government here.