Dundalk oldest ‘shedder’ is Louth and proud
TOM Kerr is Dundalk’s oldest shedder, and was at the official opening, in September 2011 of the Dundalk Men’s Sheds.
Since then, 88-year-old Tom, who lives in Blackrock, has been involved in many aspects of the organisation and even travelled to Australia, where the Men’s Shed movement started, becoming the first Irish shedder to do so.
Tom said: ‘Since we opened in 2011, we have gone from strength to strength and have about 150 members from different professions and skills. Woodwork, painting, pottery, light mechanical work, gardening, classes in cooking and computers are just some of the things that are available here.
‘ There is also a choir, which is worth a run on RTE and a garden where the Green Finger Oldies’ produce is fit for any table’.
‘ There is no clocking in, of course, and there are also a variety of games to enjoy including cards, rings and a mini golf board.
The produce from the woodwork group is highly sought after and are available now at a local craft store at the Long Walk Shopping Centre
Tom says the Dundalk Men’s Sheds has brought him much happiness over the years and added: ‘It’s a great team to be a member of, everyone is pleasant and skilful and it is something that I really enjoy’.
The group receives no government funding and they are able to continue thanks to their own fundraising, such as flag collection days.
In October 2014, Dundalk Men’s Sheds won the All Ireland competition, prompting Tom to write the following poem: ‘Shedders were are special and supreme; We all work together as a great team; The items we have made are top class; From all sorts of material even some of brass. Eva our co-ordinator is worth two or more, Had a great team that would get a high score, On the 4th of October in the Helix Great Hall, On a bright and sunny evening, Our shedders with pride were beaming, With our magnificent masterpiece, 900 strands in all.
‘Prepared and honed to perfection, One of a beautiful collection, The judges gave their marks, Then we got the call, Dundalk Men’s Shedders, Winners, overall’.