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Having recently celebrated its first birthday, Doonbeg Men’s Shed is immensely successful, with 27 loyal members with varied talents, interests and life experience. Speaking on behalf of the shed secretary John Smith reminisces on what has been a great year.
“I was on the local pastoral council and when it came up that Baltard National School was closing its doors, there was talk about selling the building. That’s when I suggested that we use it as a Men’s Shed. The Parish Priest gave me the go ahead to hold an information meeting and see who was interested.”
“We were so lucky to have been given the premises, with two lovely big rooms. We also got furniture. The local community lotto gifted us €1,000 for heat and maintenance bills. We used the Government grant to buy a wood-turning lathe.”
No Men’s Shed would be complete without woodwork and Doonbeg is no different. Timber-loving members enjoy getting their hands dirty in the workshop, while others chat over a mug of tea and freshly baked scones in the tea room.
“There is so much talent amongst our members. They recently treated and restored Stations of the Cross for the church, which had been destroyed by wood worm. Some of the guys here are plasterers and did an absolutely fantastic job at re-plastering a beautiful old crucifix. Another project we took on was adding benches to the five local graveyards.”
Upcoming projects and ideas are plentiful amongst the Doonbeg group, with a choir group practice preparing for the local Christmas vigil ceremony, as well as updates to social media and online interaction. Commending the members of Doonbeg Men’s Shed for their welcoming spirit and friendship, John is a firm advocate of the Men’s Sheds initiative.
“The big thing about the shed is the camaraderie that it has built up. We are only delighted to welcome new members from any of the surrounding areas. I have been involved in many organisations over the years, but this is the best one yet.”
The shed members meet every Tuesday from 10am-1.30pm at Baltard NS. To find out more contact John Smith on 087-6547568.
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