Supporting Farm Families Through Sudden Loss

Lisa Tierney

Embrace FARM is a national charity dedicated to supporting farm families and agricultural communities following a sudden loss. The organisation was founded in 2014 by the Rohan family from Co. Laois after they experienced the devastating loss of Brian Rohan’s father, Liam, who was tragically killed in a farm accident on the family farm in 2012.

In the aftermath of Liam’s death, Brian and Norma Rohan experienced first-hand the comfort and generosity of their family, friends and neighbours. However, they also recognised that there was very little formal support available for farm families facing such profound grief. Determined to ensure that no other farming family would have to navigate this journey alone, they established Embrace FARM.

Since then, the charity has grown from supporting one farm family to providing services for more than 700 farm families across Ireland in 2025. While the organisation has expanded significantly, its mission remains unchanged: to ensure that every farm family affected by a sudden loss has access to the practical and emotional support they need, when they need it most.

Although Embrace FARM was originally established to support families following fatal farm accidents, the charity has evolved in response to the needs of farming communities. Today, it supports families who have experienced the sudden death of, or serious injury to, a loved one through an accident, illness or suicide, whether on or off the farm. The common thread that connects every family supported by Embrace FARM is the experience of sudden and unexpected loss.

Recognising that every family’s circumstances are different, Embrace FARM provides a range of practical and emotional supports tailored to individual needs.

Practical supports include access to initial consultations with professionals in areas such as financial planning, legal matters, agricultural business and succession planning. These services help families address the many practical decisions and challenges that often arise following a sudden loss. In addition, Embrace FARM hosts information evenings in rural communities throughout the year, providing opportunities for people to learn, ask questions and connect with others in a welcoming environment.

Emotional wellbeing is equally important. Families can access counselling, peer support groups, equine-assisted learning, creative arts therapy and play therapy for children. Throughout the year, Embrace FARM also organises family residential retreats, peer support gatherings and mentoring opportunities, helping families connect with others who have shared similar experiences. The charity’s annual Remembrance Service remains a cornerstone of its work, offering families a meaningful opportunity to remember loved ones together within a supportive community.

If you or someone you know is struggling following a sudden loss, Embrace FARM is here to help.

You can contact Embrace FARM by phone on 085 770 9966 or by email at info@embracefarm.com. To learn more about the charity and its services, visit embracefarm.com or follow @embracefarmsupport on social media.