Another string to their bow
LOCAL MEN’S SHED GROUP AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY EFFORT TO WELCOME FLEADH TO DROGHEDA IN AUGUST
THE smell of freshly baking scones is the first thing that hits you as you walk into the Men’s Shed premises on the Donore Road, Drogheda.
And if that isn’t welcoming enough, the warm cheer you get upon your arrival is the metaphorical icing on the cake!
“We let the odd woman in every now and again,” I hear, “but they can’t stay for long.”
So, the ‘Men’ part of the title is mandatory, but a ‘Shed’ it ain’t.
The group moved into the large, bright premises four years ago, and even at 10am, the place is buzzing, with members playing pool, drinking tea and starting their daily woodwork.
But it is the wall full of gaily decorated instruments which is taking pride of place today.
“We knew we wanted to get involved in the Fleadh, ever since it was confirmed as coming to Drogheda,” explains Liam Reynolds, one of the 70 or ‘shedders’ in the group.
“We see us all as part of the local community,” adds chairman Pat, “and we contacted the committee straight away to see what we could do.”
It was chair of the committee Lolo Robinson’s daughter Orla who suggested the man make replica instruments to showcase at events throughout the week.
“She is youth officer and thought a large bodhran and fiddle would be great, but once the men finished that, they went onto create templates for lots more, which were then given out to local schools to decorate,” she explains.
“The students from Sacred Heart, St Mary’s, St Joe’s and Boomerang café were then all given free rein to paint them anyway they liked, and they really put their stamp on them,” adds Paddy Brannigan.
The result is a remarkable collection of unique pieces, each oozing the personality of each student.
“They are amazing, and they will be displayed at the official launch, and also at events throughout the festival, so everyone can enjoy them,” explains Lolo.
Shedder Gerry Kierans and volunteer Glen Clarke were behind creating the original templates, but like everything else in the group, all members then got on board.
“It’s part of the beauty of the place here, that everyone usually likes to get involved, even if they never held a piece of wood in their lives,” explains Liam.
“But there is more to us here than just a workshop – we provide mental as well as physical support here - and for many of our members, we might be the only interaction they get all week, so it can be a real lifeline.”
The only criteria for joining the Men’s Shed is that you are male, over 45 and independent enough to look after your own basic needs.
“The average age of our members is 65 to 78, and there is no pressure or judgement at all on men who come in – they can just sit and listen if they want, or take part in one of the several activities that we do,” adds Pat.
“Along with the woodwork, there are day trips to places like Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Jail and the Famine Museum, as well as pool, other games and the allotment.”
The Drogheda Men’s Shed has become one of the flagship groups in the country, one of around 420 nationwide.
“We had quite humble beginnings in 2012, with just some small premises in Greenhills, until we eventually outgrew that shed about a year or so later,” explains Pat.
“We are so lucky with our facilities now, as the Order of Malta is very good to us, and each member pays a small subscription f €20 for upkeep and travel, which keeps us covered.”
New members are always welcome to wander into the Men’s Shed and taking that first step can be hardest. “No matter what age you are, it can feel like the first day at school, but once you are here a few hours, I guarantee you will want to come back,” says Pat.
The Men’s Shed, Donore Road (opposite Lidl) is open from 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.