Farmers and contractors from across the Galtee region gathered before dawn in Co. Tipperary for a charity baling event, held in support of Pieta's Darkness into Light initiative.

The Galtee Grass event took place over the weekend in Aherlow and saw 18 balers arrive to make first-cut silage bales as the local community came together to remember Niall O'Connell, a young man who died by suicide.

Now in its second year, the event was organised by members of the rural community around the Galtee Mountains, with funds raised going towards Pieta and mental health supports.

One of the organisers, Sean Hennessy told Agriland that the event first came about following Niall's death, who had worked alongside him during silage season for over a decade.

Hennessy said: "He was always driving the baler for me and had worked with me for the last 12 years [prior to his death]."

The first charity baling event last year was organised just months after Niall's passing, with the aim to bring together neighbours, contractors, friends and family members to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

Taking place on Saturday morning (May 9), this year's fundraiser saw 18 tractors and balers set off around 4:00a.m.

The fleet of tractors were able to complete approximately 100 bales in roughly 15 minutes, an impressive feat on the day.

Once wrapped up, the silage-making was followed by breakfast at the Hennessy family home, where memories and stories of passed loved ones were shared between neighbours and locals.

Hennessy outlined that the first event allowed family members, neighbours and friends of Niall to come together and provide comfort to each other in the light of his passing.

He noted: "We felt the event could help Niall's family and there would also be more people in the area in similar circumstances, who attended as well.

"It brings everyone together to reminisce on things and gets people talking [about their mental health] as well."

Fundraising

This year's Galtee Grass event has raised approximately €2,000 in funds so far to support Pieta and bring hope to people affected by suicide and self-harm.

Some of these donations were collected on the day of the event, while the rest of the funds were raised through an online fundraising page, set up by Niall's sister Emma.

The fundraiser page for Galtee Grass can be found on Pieta's Darkness into Light website by searching for 'Emma O'Connell'.