People in rural communities are being urged to reach out if they are feeling isolated.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) says farmers often have issues with mental health and feel they can’t tell anyone about their problems.

A meeting – organised by the Gardaí and the ICSA – to help people cope with these issues is taking place in Kilrush in Clare tonight.

Rural Development Chairman Seamus Sherlock wants people to know they’re not alone: “Unfortunately in rural Ireland a lot of people think they are the only person with a problem or with a financial problem or a marital breakdown.

“A lot of farmers are very good to look after the animals but they don’t always be as good to look after themselves unfortunately.

“And a lot of people ring me and they are nearly ashamed to tell me they are having problems and what I am saying is don’t be embarrassed, that is what we are there for.

“Reach out, there is loads of help there, but people have to take the first step and look for it.”