The Argus

Men’s Sheds to reopen after three months

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FOLLOWING nearly four months in lockdown, Dundalk Men’s Shed is getting ready to re-open its doors, albeit on a limited basis.

On Monday next, 6 July members will head back to spick and span premises in Seatown for the first time since last March.

‘We closed on 13 March as soon as the Taoiseach announced a partial closing down of the country,’ explained secretary, Gene Yore.

This was intended to be for a fortnight, but as the Covid-19 situation got worse a lockdown came into force.

It meant the shed had to stay shut.

‘ To keep people in contact we use WhatsApp so they can stay in touch with those they socialise and work with in the shed,’ Gene continued.

Members also get together every week on Zoom which is still going on.

‘We wanted to make sure no one was isolated, as the whole point of Men’s Sheds is to keep people in social contact when they retire.’

Dundalk Men’s Shed was establishe­d in 2011, and is used by 50 people.

It has an outdoor workspace. Indoors, there is a woodwork area, art room, and kitchen recreation area.

Activities include music, arts and crafts, creative writing, exercise, social outings, fundraisin­g, computer classes, health courses and cookery classes.

However, a full programme will not initially be available from next Monday.

Guidelines are in place and are being sent out to all fifty members.

‘Everyone has to read and agree to follow them before they come back,’ said Gene of the guidelines which have been compiled by the Irish Men’s Shed Associatio­n (IMSA) and follow Government and HSE advice, including social distancing.

The Seatown shed has been sanitized with new lights put in, as well as new seating and floor coverings.

‘ The kitchen will not be used, put people can bring in food. We will be using disposable cups and plates.’

Face shields, gloves and sanitizer will be available.

The shed is re-opening on a limited basis. The woodwork department, for example, remains closed until further notice.

Neverthele­ss, it’s good news that the Men’s Shed is back in business.

‘ The IMSA has been a tremendous help in making all this happen, especially national organiser Eva Beirne, who is a former manager here,’ Gene pointed out.

He also had a special mention for the great work carried out by local officers, including chairman Peter O’Neill and treasurer Brian Byrne, as well as Thomas Grey, Joe McCrink, John Lally, Joe McGrath, John Freeman and Brendan Tuite.

 ??  ?? Dundalk Men’s Sheds are to resume next Monday after nearly four months of lockdown.
Dundalk Men’s Sheds are to resume next Monday after nearly four months of lockdown.

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