THERE was a time not so long ago when older men in Shannon with time on their hands had limited options about how to pass the day.
“It was either the pub or follow the wives around the shopping centre ” Christy Collins, Chairperson of the Shannon Mens Shed told the Limerick Post.
“The women are encouraging men to go out and join the Mens’ Shed to get us out of the house and that’s exactly what this does, Men make friends here but it’s said – and it’s true – men don’t talk face-to-face, they talk shoulder to shoulder when they’re working together,” said Christy.
The Men’s Sheds movement has become a massive vehicle for social inclusion for men who would traditionally have been slow to reach out to their peers other than over a pint.
With 54 members on the books and a fantastic premises in Smithstown, courtesy of a nominal rental from the Shannon Properties Group, the Shannon Mens’ Shed is now firmly established and has established close connections with the community in the six years since it was established.
The members meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and some part of those days are given over to projects such as carpentry, woodworking and passing on DIY skills and there is also ample space for people to just drop in and have a cuppa.
“We have a lot of retired people who have a background in trades and that’s really useful but members are also welcome to just drop in and have a chat and a tea or coffee. This is a social place as much as anything else” said Christy.
Membership costs just €10 a year, mainly to cover insurance, “We got power saws in and although only one or two of the members might ever use them, the insurance shot up from €350 euros to €1,350 a year”.
The members are always available to help with jobs in the community.
“Shannon won the Pride of Place title last year which was a great achievement and we were involved in painting empty buildings and planters. We also just finished building Buddy Benches for the schools. If the community needs a hand, we’re delighted to get stuck in”.
The group gets great support from local businesses and from Clare County Council but what is hugely important is the support that members offer each other.
“It’s a great social outlet and people learn practical stuff coming here as well and we’re able to give back to the community. It’s a fantastic family and the member make it,” Christy told the Limerick Post.
