Men’s Shed carves out a place in the community
A year after it was established the Dingle Men’s shed is thriving with the facilities and membership growing steadily.
The men’s shed was set up in April 2017 and last Saturday an open day was held at their Ballintaggart base, which previously served as a cowhouse but has now been turned into a well developed working space.
Founding Member Des McQuaid explained the layout of the shed. It is divided into three areas, the first for socialising , the second to be developed in the future for metalwork and the third a well established woodworking area.
The facilities at the shed have been used for personal projects by the members and for assisting local community based projects. Des explained that men can come along with projects that they are working on and avail of the expertise, companionship and equipment. The shed has just finished making plant boxes for Dingle Tidy Towns.
The shed is now equipped with toilet facilities and has recently acquired broadband from Kerry Broadband at a substantially reduced cost. With these facilities the shed will start computer classes shortly using in house expertise. Men’s health issues are also on the agenda: a Tai Chi class will start next Monday and the shed committee are looking at starting a yoga class.
The shed is for men of all ages but especially for those who are retired or unemployed. It is open from 11am to 1pm five days a week, Monday to Friday. Contact Des at tdmcquaid@gmail.com or 087 2396489.