Young Ryan awarded for his farm safety leadership

A young Cork man has been awarded for being outstanding in his field for farm safety.

Ryan Regan from Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa in Castletownbere was one of four recipients nationwide recognised as a Farm Safety Ambassador.

The AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Award is nominated by schoolteachers, aiming to highlight pupils that reflect a dedication to raising awareness about farm safety. From the Beara Peninsula, Ryan was nominated by his school for his outstanding enthusiasm and leadership in promoting farm safety.

Living on a farm, he embraced an ambassador role by engaging younger pupils and sharing his knowledge, presenting videos on farm safety, and actively supporting activities on Farm Day.

His passion for farming and willingness to help others made him a positive role model, while also boosting his own confidence.

Judges noted Ryan’s kindness, dedication, and commitment to raising farm safety awareness embodies everything an AgriKids Fam Safety Ambassador represents.

Irish Rural Link announced the winners recently. Its CEO, Briain Smyth said: "Farms are unusual in that they are both workplaces and family homes, so farm safety has to be taught from an early age. AgriKids proves the value of dedicated, community-led education in preventing serious injuries and saving lives.”

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the programme aims to bring practical, curriculum-aligned farm safety education into primary school classrooms, while strengthening links between schools, local farmers and the wider community.

Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD said: “I want to congratulate the winners of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme, and to thank the schools and teachers who engaged in its delivery. I am urging all schools nationwide to consider participating from the start of the next school year.”