Farm Safety Seminar

Hosted by NISO Southern Region

NISO’s Southern region is holding a Farm Safety Seminar in Mallow, Cork on 18 November 2026.

Seminar Details

Venue: Mallow GAA Complex, St Joseph’s Road, Carrigoon, Mallow, Co Cork
Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026 
Time: 09.00hrs. – 13.00hrs.; Registration 08.30hrs.
Seminar Fee: €30 NISO Members / €35 non members (includes lunch)

Speakers Include:

• Emer Murphy, ESB
• Francis Bligh, Teagasc
• Mark Riordan, Farm Safety Culture Champion, Irish Rural Link
• Willie Ryan, Ayrton Group – Driver Safety

Presentations from:

• Health and Safety Authority
• Fit Farmers
• Agrikids

Speakers

Francis Bligh, Health and Safety Specialist Advisor, Teagasc
Francis works as a Health and Safety specialist advisor within the Teagasc Health and safety specialist team. Francis works closely with farm advisors, farming groups and organisations to provide farmer focused safety, health and welfare information, training and advise to promote and encourage safe and healthy farming practice. Francis also supports the development of safety, health and welfare focused research within Teagasc and partner organisations.

Emer Murphy, Public Safety Supervisor, ESB Networks
Emer is the Public Safety Supervisor for ESB Networks. She has worked in ESB for over 30 years and has extensive experience of building and maintaining the electricity network as an electrician and engineering officer. Emer now works to promote and raise awareness of electrical safety for the public and provides training and information for people working around electricity including those working in construction, farming and emergency services.

Mark Riordan, Beef Suckler Farmer and Grain & Quality Operations Supervisor, Dairygold Co-Op
Mark Riordan is a part-time beef suckler farmer from Kenmare, Co. Kerry. He works as a Grain & Quality Operations Supervisor with Dairygold Co-Op and currently serves as Chairperson of Kerry Macra. In addition, he sits on the Agricultural Affairs National Sub-Committee and the IFA Rural Development Committee.

In August, Mark was appointed as a Farm Safety Culture Champion for his region through an initiative led by Irish Rural Link. This programme aims to promote farm safety across all age groups, from primary school children to older farmers, while fostering a culture of awareness and prevention. A key element of this initiative is the creation of “Farmer’s Haggarts”, local hubs designed to combat rural isolation, encourage social interaction and provide practical support for older farmers. These hubs not only strengthen community ties but also serve as platforms for sharing safety knowledge and best practices.

Willie Ryan, Ayrton Group (speaker bio to follow)