In the first of a series of visits to schools around Ireland, first up is St Joseph’s National School in the little village of Ballinagar in Co Offaly. Ballinagar is situated about 12km outside Tullamore town, on the junction of the R402 Tullamore/Edenderry Road, the Cappincur Road and the Geashill Road.

The original settlement in Ballinagar is likely to have developed as a small cluster at the road junction, which has since expanded. The village now boasts a number of standalone houses and housing estates, a church a national school, a community hall, a petrol filling station/shop, and a licenced premises.

St Joseph’s NS was built in 1949 on a site provided by a local farmer named Tommy Dunne. This school building served the educational needs of the local children for 63 years, until it closed in 2012. It was a two-classroom school, and over the years prefabricated buildings were added to cater for an increasing pupil enrolment.

The school was well maintained over the years, but by 2012 it had outlived its usefulness as it was no longer big enough to cater for the pupil numbers attending. The new school has 175 students enrolled from the catchment area.

Principal Denis O’Connor, who has been there for over 25 years, said the students come from both farming, rural surrounds and towns. They all mix very well together, and the facilities at the new school are terrific.

On the road

The Irish Farmers Journal and public safety manager with ESB Networks Arthur Byrne joined forces to deliver a multifaceted approach to farm safety to the senior infant and 2nd classes of Ballinagar National School, primarily covering the electrical risks and dangers when farming on the family farm.

After a brief chat on safety, the children got their turn to share all they knew on farming and electrical safety. Their understanding of the importance of electricity when “watching the news and television” was solid, but it was their perspective on the dangers of electricity on the farm that was surprisingly astute, especially for such a young audience – a credit to their family and teachers. Even the children from non-farming backgrounds were interested and active in their views.

Livestock

In relation to the most dangerous livestock, the bull was the unanimous decision by the class, with some kids also worried about a few of the neighbour’s dogs. The children said: “Never ever go near the bull in the field, and tell the farmer if the gate is open.” A bull should have a big ring in its nose, stated one boy, although not really sure of the purpose of this fashion accessory.

Using high-visibility jackets was also high on the agenda of one table learning about road safety.

Electricity

The electrical knowledge was astutely teased out of them by Arthur, who explained some risks before drawing a few more from the young attentive audience.

Some of the 2nd class students were well aware that accidents with electrical power are very dangerous, with the potential for very serious injury. One young student said: “A big shock can cause a heart attack.”

Others knew that flying kites and driving tractors and high loads under overhead wires is not a good idea.

Not many were sure how a bird can land on a wire and remain unaffected. Arthur explained how not being earthed saves the birds’ lives. There were also some concerns about the damage overhead wires can do to a kite, although aware of dangers of having both in the same vicinity.

Tractors are always a big hit with all ages, and the children of Ballinagar are no exception. From green tractors to massive combines, the kids knew their favourites.

One comment came from the floor saying: “Tractors delay my mum sometimes and she gets very cross”.

The children knew the dangers associated with machines and tractors. The motto we settled on was: “If you can’t see the driver, then the driver cannot see you.” Remember to stand clear, be safe and be seen.

The purpose of the school visits is to create an awareness of safety on the farm, with respect for the power of electricity. Children are very in tune with how electricity arrives in their yard, but not that sure on how it is made.

The hope is that the younger generation will view safety on the farm as important as the beef, tillage or dairy enterprises. In fact, it is more important, as there is only one chance at life.