Rosemount teens are Ireland's tops

A safety project, by Rosemount Foróige Club has been crowned "Ireland's Top Teens" as part of the 'permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards 2012'. Inspired by first-hand experience of the dangers of living on a farm and, a desire to reduce instances of farm accidents and deaths, the Rosemount teenagers developed a hard hitting yet fun and engaging safety programme targeted at both farmers and children. 14 people have been killed in farm accidents so far this year. Amy Slevin (16) from Rosemount Foróige Club said: "We are thrilled to be crowned "Ireland's Top Teens". My own father was involved in an accident on our farm seven years ago and is now in a wheelchair. Farm accidents and deaths can be devastating for farm families and the wider farming community. If our project can save a life or prevent an accident then it means we have done a good job." John Cahill, Assistant CEO, Foróige and Chairperson of the juding panel which selected the winners said, "This project is deserving of the "Ireland's Top Teens" title. The group took an issue of major social importance and created a simple yet effective and engaging programme. It is visual, involving and most importantly easy to remember for both children and farmers alike. The simplicity and effectiveness of this project facilitates a national roll out so the benefits of this project can be far reaching and potentially life saving." In congratulating Rosemount Foróige Club, Niall O'Grady, permanent tsb, said, "We are delighted to be involved with this initiative which celebrates and acknowledges the positive impact young people make on society." The Rosemount Foróige project consisted of a farm safety road show in schools, safety talks for young people and information evenings for farmers promoting a slogan "Farmers Always Remember Minors" (FARM). As part of the project the group designed and produced a series of engaging and practical promotional materials with safety tips. These included welly stickers, tractor stickers, wristbands, high viz jackets and book marks. Messages for children included among others "No Trips on the Trailer", "Don't play on the Farm Yard", "Don't Climb Bales", "Don't Touch Animal Medicine". Safety tips for farmers included "No passengers on farm machinery", "inspect cables regularly", "no climbing for children", "use outside agitation points for slurry pits". In advance of winning the prestigious accolade of Ireland's Top Teens, the Rosemount Foróige project was invited to showcase its project at the National Ploughing Championships as well as at the high profile Tullamore and Moate agricultural shows. President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins paid a special visit to the Rosemount stand at the Ploughing Championships in Wexford to lend his support to the project.