The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A Men’s Shed for Castleisland in 2018
A NEW year means new resolutions for many people and one way of committing to a new adventure in 2018 is being presented by the Castleisland Men’s Shed Group who are calling all men - of all ages - to help them set up a Men’s Shed in 2018.
Over the past few years Men’s Shed’s have sprung up all over the county as they offer a great social outlet and a place to organise various events from group projects to gardening.
In Castleisland it was decided a Men’s Shed would work well in the community garden area situated between the mart and An Riocht. Moreover, it was also decided to utilise the meeting rooms in the nearby NEWKD offices for the first few months until a permanent area is established.
The men behind the drive to set up a Men’s Shed in Castleisland are Pat Mitchell, Willie Reidy, Billy O’Brien and Gerard Lawless who together feel that by incorporating both day and night activities in the shed it would better suit people. Social activities are the primary objective which is what Men’s Sheds are all about, while gardening is also something that appeals to many as is woodworking and many other interesting pastimes that can be arranged once a group large enough is formed and ideas are trashed out.
“The Men’s Sheds have proved to be very important social outlets for men of all ages and no matter what their personal situation is. There seems to be plenty of women’s groups and organisations, but very little for men outside of sport,” said Willie Reidy.
The men believe the opportunity to set up a Men’s Shed in 2018 represents an exciting new adventure for Castleisland and its surrounding areas. The opportunity is now there for interested men to join and shape the direction of this project. Men’s sheds are an excellent way of combining ideas, skills and various talents of men which help establish the kind of shed full of innovate ways to prosper, both as an individual and a community.
“Our hope is that men would come forward and help us organise it. It’s only then that we can arrange the best ideas and direction for the shed. Each individual brings their own knowledge, skills and life experience to the shed which, when combined, works to the benefit of all. January and a new year is the perfect time to get involved, so get in touch,” Willie added. The men wish to acknowledge the assistance of Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund and the Kerry Mental Health Castleisland Branch for providing tea making equipment for the shed.
For more information about setting up a Men’s Shed in Castleisland in 2018, contact Pat Mitchell: 087 2840528; Willie Reidy: 087 9619351; Billy O’Brien: 087 6092898 or Gerard Lawless.