Gorey Pupil Honoured with National Farm Safety Ambassador Award

An 11-year-old pupil from Gorey has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to promoting farm safety, receiving one of just four national AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards.

Pádraig Cooper from Ballyellis National School was honoured as part of the Irish Rural Link AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme, which aims to educate primary school children about farm safety while strengthening links between schools, farming families and local communities.

Pádraig, who comes from a farming background, was nominated by his teachers for his leadership and enthusiasm. As chairperson of his school's AgriKids Committee, he led fellow pupils in a range of farm safety initiatives, encouraging participation from students of all ages.

Judges praised his commitment, describing him as an outstanding leader and a deserving recipient of the award.

The programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, offers schools practical, curriculum-based lessons on topics including machinery safety, animal welfare and safe behaviour on farms.

Congratulating this year's winners, Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture Niall Collins said the initiative is helping to increase children's awareness of farm safety and encouraged more schools to take part when the programme returns for the new school year.

Irish Rural Link CEO Briain Smyth said farm safety education is vital because farms are both workplaces and family homes. He praised all participating schools, saying the programme helps children bring important safety messages back to their own families and communities.

Schools can register for the 2026/27 AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Programme from August 25.