View all Articles

Demand for Health Check Initiative Justifies Wider Rollout

Published 3 weeks ago 12th March 2025 by Reporter

IFA, CROÍ and the Department of Agriculture have presented the findings of the pilot Health Check Initiative which took place in Autumn 2024.

Minister for State at the Dept of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae (second left) officially launched the report at the Cillín Hill Mart in Kilkenny, which was one of the locations that offered free health checks to farmers.


Minister for State at the Dept of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae officially launched the report at the Cillín Hill Mart in Kilkenny, which was one of the locations that offered free health checks to farmers.
The topline outcomes show that the pilot initiative exceeded its targets and identified that demand exists for a wider rollout of the service to rural communities.


Delivered over 1,200 health checks in 16 locations, exceeding the target by 22%
Nearly 50% of participants presented with elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels
Farmers valued opportunities to discuss mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression
Farmers appreciated the convenience and accessibility of on-site health checks and related services.
Among the recommendations are the establishment of a national Health Check Programme; a centralised digital platform offering continuous health education; expansion of holistic services; and a stakeholder forum to raise awareness of farming-related health issues and increased risk factors.


IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Teresa Roche acknowledged the commitment that everybody gave to the project. “We had a short timeline to mobilise our network and get the message out. I would like to thank our partners in the Department of Agriculture and CROÍ for their support in raising the awareness among farmers of minding your health.”
“The success of the Health Check programme was evident in the sheer demand. At some locations, queues extended beyond capacity. We can build on this momentum and develop ongoing preventative programmes,” she said.


Mark O’Donnell CEO of CROÍ said “The response to this pilot shows the real need for accessible health checks in rural communities. Cardiovascular health is key to overall well-being, yet many risk factors go unnoticed. With 80% of premature cardiovascular disease being preventable, early detection and early treatment is essential. The high rates of elevated blood pressure and cholesterol identified in this pilot highlight why regular heart health checks matter”.


“CROÍ is committed to working with our partners to expand this initiative so more farmers can access the checks and support they need to protect their heart health and overall well-being.”

 
Delaney’s standout display propels Cahir to South…
 
Fort Aenghus committee show off grand Padel…
 
Celebrating 125 years of STEM in Clonmel…
 
Clonmel road will be closed for up…
 
Star athlete Sean Tobin returns to his…
 
Experience virtual reality community opera at The…
 
National Broadband Plan connection now available near…
 
Musical Society to bridge 25 year gap…
 
New book puts ‘Aspects of Industrial Development’…
 
Presentation sweeps the boards at the National…
 
Official opening of the Special Class at…
 
Nenagh accountancy firm McKeogh Gallagher Ryan announces…
 
Arachas Insures Ireland officially open their new…
 
62nd Clonmel Bridge Congress
 
Tipperary ETB secures €150,000 for creative youth…
 
WIN 2 FREE tickets to Bagatelle &…
 
Credit Union strengthens SME support with development…
 
Patients in Tipp can now access all…
 
Carrick-on-Suir AC invites new members to join…
 
Crime increase demands urgent response from Justice…
 
Community gears up for day of fun…
 
Panduit Carrick Wheelers to honour Pat Nugent…
 
Bunscoil Na Cathrach celebrate World Book Day
 
Junk Kouture brings great excitement to Ursuline…
 
National award for local auctioneers
 
Carrick-on-Suir project recognised at National Awards for…
 
WIN 2 FREE tickets to Bagatelle &…
 
Celebrating International Women’s Day
 
Coláiste Mhuire students hosted at The Cottage
 
Bunscoil na ­Cathrach present Charity Fundraiser proceeds
 
Persistent Cashel stone throwing will eventually cause…
 
Old Bridge Community Association has great plans…
 
Enda Bowe’s masterclass at The Source
 
Inspirational local woman, Alison McCarthy, will walk…
 
Tipp Town patient praises UHL’s new Virtual…
 
Community School students wow in funky fashion…
 
Thurles students rally with fundraiser in support…
 
The Government urgently needs to address ….County…
 
Rockwell College bids farewell to Gearóid O’Sullivan…
 
€3 million in vacant refurbishment grants for…
 
Thurles group hosted at Kuwait National Day…
 
Fethard ease into final with big win…
 
Champions Commercials eventually see off stubborn Rovers…
 
First quarter blitz sees Clonmel Commercials U19s…
 
Ambrose pushing for additional routes for Clonmel…
 
Moyle Rovers’ round off great year with…
 
McGrath snatches victory for Galtee Rovers with…
 
Silver lining and silverware for Killenaule hurlers…
 
European Sports Week at TUS Regional Sports…
 
Kilsheelan/Kilcash survive big Cahir scare to reach…
 
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams claim West Junior A…
 
Clonmel Óg edge out Knockmealdown Gaels in…
 
Commercials always in control in big win…
 
Gortnahoe/Glengoole demolish St Mary’s with first-half goal…
 
Moyle Rovers crowned South Junior A hurling…
 
All too easy for Davins in South…
 
KILSHEELAN ADVANCE TO QUARTER-FINALS AS BRACKENS ALSO…
 
Rousing final quarter helps St Mary’s to…
 
Something rotten in the state of athletics
 
St Mary’s march on to quarter finals
 
Kehoe and Comerford star as Kilsheelan ease…
 
Clonmel Commercials dig deep to salvage late…
 
Golf buggies stolen and dumped in River…
 
Cashel mourns one of its most famous…
 
Myne Security company hopes to significantly expand…
 
Local Clonmel Man Describes Ukraine War as…
 
Citius – Altius – Fortius
 
Delahunty delivers double delight for Rovers in…
 
Excitement builds ahead of new Tipperary Southern…