Sheds at the Virginia Show 2019

As the last rays of summer creep through the clouds, thoughts turn to the new season and new beginnings. The end of the summer is rich in tradition throughout the island, with events and festivities ranging from the Dublin Horse Show to the Rose of Tralee festival.

Away from the glitz and glamour, however, communities throughout Ireland also host a wide spectrum of events to herald the passing of summer. These fairs and festivals offer families a final day out together, before the drudgery (and relief) of the school year begins afresh.

Unsurprisingly, sheds have found themselves at the heart of such festivities in recent years, whether by offering logistical support, building and manning stands and stalls, or even performing for the eager, thronging crowds.

This year, a number of sheds competed for a prize which showcased the craftsmanship of men’s sheds

It was, however, with a rather more serious purpose in mind that several sheds from the Cavan and Meath area travelled to Virginia on 21 August. The Virginia Show is one of the region’s most anticipated events of the summer. Now in its 78th year, the Virginia Show combines the earnest business of cattle-based competition with all the fun of the fair.

This year, a number of sheds competed for a prize which showcased the craftsmanship of men’s sheds. As well as the hometown heroes of Virginia Men’s Shed, there were also entries from Ratoath, An Tobar (Navan) and Moynalty Men’s Sheds.

While it would be churlish to fixate on the results of such a friendly contest, Ratoath Men’s Shed was particularly pleased with the response to its brain-teasing word puzzle.

As summer comes to a close please keep your local shed in mind for any relatives or friends who might benefit from some company and purpose during those long winter nights.

A home at last for Dooradoyle

Congratulations are due to Dooradoyle Raheen Men’s Shed in Co Limerick. The shed has been without a premises since its foundation, but recently signed a contract with Advanced Space Providers for the building and installation of its very own home.

A delighted Sean Dalton signs the contact for Dooradoyle Raheen Men's Shed's new premises.

Despite receiving planning permission for the site which will soon host the shed’s permanent home, the process has been a long and frustrating one.

However, character is forged in such adversity and the shed has developed a lofty reputation for initiative and community spirit during its lengthy hiatus. It has refused to allow the lack of a permanent premises to cramp its style, and has generated a mountain of support and goodwill from across the spectrum.

Chair of the shed committee Sean Dalton has served as an active and enthusiastic shed support volunteer for Limerick city, as he poured body and soul into the task of fundraising for his own shed’s new premises.

We wish Dooradolye Raheen the very best as its new premises takes shape and it faces into the bright future its members richly deserve.

Malehealth.ie health tips

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association’s men’s health website www.malehealth.ie continues to expand, with new content added on a weekly basis. The most recent addition is the Staying Fit for Farming booklet developed by the Men’s Health Centre, IT Carlow. Sample advice on back pain:

  • Reduce pressure on spine when lying down (eg by lying sideways with legs slightly bent and a cushion between them).
  • Gentle back massage can be really effective.
  • Don’t lie in the same position too long – roll over or stand up periodically.
  • Swap between warm towels and cool compresses to relax muscles.
  • Serious back pain should be checked by your doctor.
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