Rural welcome from Donegal's farmers

Reflecting on his tour, Dr Gribben said,

Having just finished my first one, I want to thank my colleagues in the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal for organising a thoughtful, busy and productive week, which gave me a real insight in to our church in the northwest.

It really was an opportunity to encourage and to say ‘thank you’ to those who pastor, lead and serve in our Presbyterian congregations in that part of the island. At the same time, I wanted to thank those in the wider community who keep us safe, teach and encourage our children and young people, treat us when we are unwell, and provide food for our tables.

Dr Gribben continued,

One particularly rainy day had a very strong farming theme, which began at Raphoe Livestock Mart, looking at the stock and talking to farmers from across the northwest and further afield before the sale started. I also visited a sheep farms and two dairy farms.

“At every visit it was great to meet Presbyterians who were involved in farming, their local communities and our congregations in east Donegal. While I wouldn’t be the first Moderator to say it, our rural congregations, largely made up of farmers and their families, are the backbone of Irish Presbyterianism.”

The Moderator said that at a time when farmers are often criticised,

I think that we need to remember that across this island they not only put food on our tables, but look after our beautiful land.

One farm I visited had a breeding flock of some 600 ewes and had been farmed by the same family for five generations. Sitting round the kitchen table and chatting was a special time and a highlight for me. At another farm, we were joined by some 40 farmers from neighbouring farms.

It was good to talk, listen, encourage and pray for those who work the land to put food on our tables and provide jobs. It was a cold day too, but as we met in a shed on the farm the ladies from our local congregations warmed us, not only with tea and traybakes, but with their own warm hospitality.

Dr Gribben also talked with some farmers about areas of concern.

 Over lunch with farmers from both sides of the border, I heard their concerns around inheritance tax, which is coming to the UK. Farmers in Donegal were also concerned that the Irish government might do the same. A move that could severely affect the futures and viability of many farms.

The Moderator continued,

My visit to Derry and Donegal will stay in the memory for a long time. One reason for making it so memorable was a unique gift. I was presented with a shepherd’s crook, handmade in hazel. On it a small plate says, ‘Donegal Farmers 2025’. A very special gift that will find a home in the Moderator’s Room in Assembly Buildings.