The incoming president of youth farmer group Macra na Feirme has urged young people to get involved in his organisation as an antidote to loneliness and depression which often leads to suicide.
At his inauguration last weekend, Colm Markey (32) the Co Louth-born president, said individuals and the localities in which they lived could benefit greatly from an increased participation in community life.
"With the arrival of the Celtic Tiger, and increased prosperity in both rural and urban areas, many people are now also faced with the increased pressures that come hand-in-hand with modern living," said Mr Markey, who runs a dairy and tillage farm.
"Long hours at work, ever-increasing commute times and family and other commitments mean that people are spending less and less time involved in community-based activities," said Mr Markey, who heads the 8,000-strong organisation.
"Many of us do not even know our neighbours very well and, as a result, a lot of Irish people are today experiencing a real sense of isolation and loneliness."
He said Ireland's suicide rate was now rising faster than any other EU country, and he believed loneliness and depression were contributing to the high levels of suicide.
"Many people do not feel part of any real community, and are suffering as a result. I would encourage all young people to involve themselves in local community groups or clubs, and volunteer to participate in activities or events going on in their local areas. It is vitally important that a sense of community is sustained and developed in local areas where people live and work."