It’s autumn and Killarney National Park rustles with the gentle sound of leaves curling and twirling back to Earth. This will soon be joined by a more purposeful sound of hatchet striking wood, and the (always mellifluous) voices of Men’s Sheds members from across the country.

For the second year running, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) is teaming up with Haven Pharmacy, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to tackle the ongoing scourge of rhododendron ponticum.

This invasive species of rhododendron was introduced to Ireland as decoration and hunting cover in the 19th century. In the decades since, it has run rampant in the National Park, crowding out indigenous flora and threatening the habitats of native fauna.

Heroic efforts to tackle its spread continue under the watchful eye of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, stewarded in Killarney by Johnny McGuire. A wide range of methods and personnel are deployed, from voluntary ‘meitheals’ to professional consultants, and Men’s Sheds are happy to play their part.

Last year, dozens of Men’s Sheds members from throughout the country descended upon the park, clearing a significant acreage of the dreaded rhododendron ponticum with the environmentally friendly “snip and spray” method of stem injection.

Under this system, the stem of the rhododendron plant – which can grow to dizzying heights – is cut with an axe. A heavily diluted solution of herbicide is then sprayed into the incision, which eventually kills the plant and inhibits regrowth.

Last year’s project was a magnificent bonding opportunity for the members who travelled, with sheds from Armagh to Macroom represented in the rhodo-squad. Haven Pharmacy, the hoteliers of Killarney, the National Park and local citizens and businesses were unstinting in their generosity.

This year, 23 sheds from throughout the island are contributing foot soldiers for the battle, in what has become one of the most anticipated events in the Men’s Shed calendar. We’ll bring you further updates from the frontline in early November.

Mouth cancer talk at Thomastown Men's Shed.

Mouth cancer awareness

Mouth Cancer Awareness Day took place during the summer. One of its lingering benefits has been a series of talks undertaken at Men’s Sheds by local medical professionals and the Dental Health Foundation Ireland.

Worldwide, mouth, head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer affecting men. Smoking and alcohol are the biggest influencers – drinking and smoking increases your risk further, allowing the cancer-causing chemicals to pass through the tissues of the mouth more easily.

Experts recommend using a lip balm that contains sun block and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. As with most cancers, early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.

The umbrella group, Mouth, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Ireland has teamed up with the IMSA to increase public knowledge of these cancers. Their tips for a healthy mouth will help you decrease your risk:

  • Visit a dentist regularly, even if you wear dentures.
  • When brushing your teeth, look out for any changes in your mouth or neck.
  • Use a lip balm that contains sunblock.
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Quit smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, betel quid, guthka and paan.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

    • For further information, please see www.mouthcancerawareness.ie – and remember, you can find information on many, many aspects of men’s health and wellbeing on www.malehealth.ie, the IMSA’s dedicated men’s health website.

    Malehealth.ie recently received a revamp, with a new blog section and contributions from many more partner organisations, so be sure to check it out.