Farming without a limb: ‘People come up and shake your hand the exact same as if you lost a relative. The exact same’

In a pioneering research project, farmers who lost limbs in farm accidents reveal how they cope physically and emotionally, how their personalities changed, and how they are treated by wider society

Norman Bradley from Fenagh, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, who lost his arm in a farming accident over 20 years ago, working on his farm. Photos: John D Kelly

Ciaran Moran

Farming is the most dangerous job in the Western world. Each day, farmers venture into fields and farmyards that could turn fatal in the blink of an eye.

Sixteen farmers died on farms in Ireland in 2023. It’s estimated that there were a further 4,500 non-fatal accidents — the lucky ones.