Ballydangan nurse launches 'Fit Farmers' app at Ploughing Championships
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Ballydangan nurse and 'Fit Farmers' founder Laura Tully has launched a new 'Fit Farmers' app at the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday morning (September 16).
Laura said while she has been thinking of putting together an app for over three years, the actual development of the tool came together in just five weeks.
"It really does bring together a lot of what we've been doing with Fit Farmers. It's another little tool for them to have in their back pocket, providing education and tips for self-care," Laura told the Westmeath Independent.
"I'm very proud of the app. It's something farmers have been looking for, and it's tailored to their needs. This is the first edition of the app, but I'm excited for it to develop further as we learn what they need. We've had very positive feedback so far, but one thing they've asked for is that there would be more interaction as there is in the in-person programme. It's exciting that it will continue to develop."
‘Fit Farmers’ brings together a pioneering lifestyle programme and a free, easy-to-use health app, making it easier than ever for farmers to look after their health and wellbeing. It marks a significant step forward in making health and wellbeing support more accessible to farmers in Ireland.
The community-based programme is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s 2025 Open Call for Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing projects.
Speaking at the launch Laura said: “Fit Farmers is about keeping health support straightforward and useful for farmers. Whether it’s through group sessions in their local community hall or the new digital app, we’re making it easier for farmers to take care of their health and wellbeing. The Ploughing is the ideal place to highlight the benefits of the programme - a gathering point for farmers, farm families and the wider Agri-sector who are encouraged to get involved.”
Since 2019, ‘Fit Farmers’ has engaged hundreds of farmers across rural Ireland in building energy, strength, mobility and resilience for everyday farm life.
It offers a six-week lifestyle course, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management and social connection. The new Fit Farmers App is free to download and provides farmer-specific, plain-language advice on health, wellbeing and safety, plus practical tips and signposting to local and national supports.
Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae launched the ‘Fit Farmers' app.
“Farming is not only mentally and physically demanding, but it is also a very dangerous occupation," Deputy Healy-Rae said. "Initiatives such as Fit Farmers will encourage farmers to look after their health while also improving their long-term resilience to cope with the demands of farming.”
Fifty farmers in Leitrim and Roscommon are starting the six-week Fit Farmers Programme this week. Each week, participants receive personal health and fitness checks, join health education workshops and take part in joint-friendly exercise sessions.
Beyond the classroom, farmers walk and talk together in the ‘Farm to 5K’ meetups, building fitness while reducing isolation and boosting social connection.
'Fit Farmers' has been working in Roscommon for a number of years, the programme will be expanding to Westmeath in November.