University of Galway’s Farmer’s Yards finds a new home in rural life of Pennsylvania Farmer’s Yards, a social initiative developed at University of Galway for the farming community, has been launched in the United States. Pennsylvania Farm Link, a non-profit dedicated to forging connections that secure the future of farming in the state, has adopted the novel programme as part of its efforts to respond positively to mental health and wellbeing issues facing farmers, while creating opportunities to enhance social inclusion within the farming community, especially for older farmers. Farmer’s Yards was initiated and developed by Dr Shane Conway at University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre, with support from the University’s Illuminate Programme. The establishment of the initiative in Pennsylvania has been funded by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center located at the University of Delaware through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The first Farmer’s Yards gathering in the US took place at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show that took place from the 4th to 11th of January 2025 in Harrisburg, bringing together 32 farmers from across the state to network with each other and reflect on the challenges of farm life. Dr Conway said: “The recent implementation of Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania showcases its universal appeal and adaptability for farming communities across the world. Farmers aged 65 and older are now the fastest-growing demographic of the farming population globally and this initiative provides a vital social outlet for older farmers to stay actively involved in their local community in later life. This is important because for many, farming is more than a job - it’s their identity and way of life. “Farmer’s Yards offers a meaningful way for these farmers to stay connected and engaged with fellow farmers at a similar stage of life, fostering inclusion and addressing the uncertainties and fears that often accompany stepping back from active farming. Whether adapting to age-related physical limitations or navigating the transition of the farm to the next generation, this initiative ensures that older farmers continue to be respected and valued members of the farming community as they age, contributing positively to their mental health and overall wellbeing.” Darlene Livingston, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Farm Link said: “Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania is designed for our farming community’s particular interests, requirements and values, in accordance with then model developed at University of Galway. The important role that the initiative plays in ensuring active social participation and inclusion for farmers as they age was evident with so many farmers in their 70s and 80s taking part. Such engagement will help prevent them from being isolated and feeling excluded from society in later life.”   The Farmer’s Yards provides farmers with a platform to maintain legitimate social connectedness, collegiality, and comradeship with their peers where they live, and in turn, combat social isolation and loneliness, something that is particularly beneficial for older farmers who have few other social outlets and may live alone. Pennsylvania Farm Link is planning further gatherings in rural communities across the state in the coming months as part of the adoption of the initiative. Farmers who take part are also exposed to a diverse set of farmer-focused knowledge transfer and exchange activities, such as succession planning, thereby helping them to successfully adapt through, and beyond, times of stress and distress. Ends  

Two University of Galway Law students, Mamadou Saliou Bah and Salma Smith were recently awarded RDJ Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships, worth €5,000 and a work placement opportunity with leading Irish law firm RDJ.  This year marks the first year of the RDJ Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at University of Galway which support students from ethnic minorities and those who are under-represented in the legal profession in Ireland. RDJ has donated €100,000 over ten years for the scholarships, which are awarded to two University of Galway Law students each academic year. Mamadou and Salma were chosen as the scholarship recipients following a competitive selection and interview process based on exam results, a personal statement, a 1,000-word essay discussing the topic, “The Need for Diversifying the Legal Profession in Ireland”. The students were officially awarded their scholarships on campus by JP Gilmartin, Partner-in-Charge of RDJ's Galway office, Antoinette Vahey, Partner at RDJ, and Professor Martin Hogg, Dean of the University of Galway School of Law.             Commending the RDJ Diversity Scholars on their achievement, JP Gilmartin, Partner-in-Charge of RDJ's Galway office, said: “I am delighted to meet this year’s recipients of the RDJ Diversity Scholarship today. Mamadou and Salma are both outstanding students and I look forward to following what I have no doubt will be successful career paths for them both.”             Antoinette Vahey, Partner in RDJ’s Employment Group added: “Greater diversity and inclusion are among RDJ’s core values. This scholarship is in keeping with our commitment to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we are part of.”             Acknowledging the importance of encouraging diversity in the legal profession, Professor Martin Hogg, Dean of University of Galway’s School of Law, said: “RDJ’s support in creating these two scholarships is sincerely appreciated by the School of Law. The two worthy inaugural recipients, Mamadou and Salma, will benefit greatly from them, receiving transformative support and encouragement to pursue legal careers in an increasingly diverse legal profession.” Ends

 Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, has been elected Fellow of the European Mechanics Society (EUROMECH). Professor McHugh is the first person from the Republic of Ireland to receive the prestigious Fellowship award. Professor McHugh was awarded the EUROMECH Solid Mechanics Fellowship for his outstanding scientific contributions to biomechanics, biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering and the development of biomedical engineering research and education programmes. By honouring him in such a way, the EUROMECH Council recognises eminent scientific contributions to the advancement of Solid Mechanics. The prestigious accolade is awarded to just three Fellows every three years, and there currently are only 20 EUROMECH Solid Mechanics Fellows. The European Mechanics Society will officially confer Fellowship on Professor McHugh at the 12th European Solid Mechanics Conference, which takes place in Lyon, France in July.             Professor McHugh said: “I am delighted to become a Fellow of the European Mechanics Society. It is an enormous honour to have my contribution to research and scholarship, and its application in technological development and education, recognised in this way. I look forward to supporting the work of the Council and to continue to work with colleagues from across Europe and beyond to identify and promote new research directions.” Originally from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, Professor McHugh is an internationally recognised research leader in biomedical engineering and his research is focused on fundamental developments and applications of computational and experimental methods in biomechanics, tissue mechanics and medical implants and devices. He has been a pioneer in the development of biomedical engineering research and education in Ireland and internationally. Professor McHugh joined the University in 1991 and was appointed as the first Established Professor of Biomedical Engineering in 2007. He has served as Dean of College of Engineering and Informatics, Head of School of Engineering, and as Deputy President and Registrar of the University, and was appointed as Interim President of University of Galway in September 2024. The European Mechanics Society is an international scientific organisation whose objective is to engage in all activities to promote the development of mechanics as a branch of science and engineering, ranging from fundamental research on the behaviour of solids and fluids to applied research in engineering. The status of Fellow of EUROMECH is awarded to members of the Mechanics community who have contributed significantly to the advancement of mechanics and related fields. This may be through their original research and publications, or their innovative contributions in the application of mechanics and technological developments, or though their distinguished contribution to the discipline in other ways. Ends