‘Themany friendships you make there are incredible...’

of supporting our existing sheds to get back open in a phased capacity, but we need to be looking down the line at catering for new members that may wish to join. It’s a challenge for all of society.

“The message from our focus groups is that members are sad because they can’t come to their sheds. This brings it home just how much they matter. COVID-19 has put a roadblock in our way, but we’ll overcome it.”

Lastly, if people want to help the Men’s Shed movement in Kerry, they can visit: www. menshed.ie and click on a shed. The website is set up to take donations.

“This is a once-off appeal,” Barry adds, “and 100 percent of the money goes direct to the sheds. The local Men’s Shed is going to be needed more than ever. I would also ask people that if they know someone that might benefit from being a member, let them know. There is a Men’s Shed there for everyone, so get in touch.”

WHEN John Harmon moved to Ireland from England six years ago, his wife was anxious that he take up a hobby for his peace of mind. When John heard about plans to start a men’s shed in Killarney, he decided to get involved and hasn’t looked back since.

“I went down and we got into it. With that I made around 20 new friends. Sitting and chatting to people is what it’s all about. I’m retired now and it’s great. We do our best to encourage each other,” he says

John explains that one of the Men’s Shed best attributes is the ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ camaraderie it creates.

“You learn about people’s lives in the shed. I don’t know anything about the next-door neighbours, but I know all about the men in the shed! The friendship is incredible. Men are shy by nature, so I think the Men’s Sheds help with this side of things.”

Throughout life, John has worked as supermarket manager, office manager and a publican. So to suddenly find himself surrounded ‘ by stacks of wood’ in a shed was a whole other experience.

“When someone asks to build you a dog kennel out of the blue, benches or a bird box, it’s fun. The bits of wood left over are then chopped up for kindling, that’s what’s kept the shed going.

“While we need money at the moment, to keep our head above water, we also need men to join.

“This is probably even more important.”