DAMS group provides a great social scene for men over 55

By Mary Dennehy

FRIDAY mornings in the Dominic’s Community Centre are a busy affair, as the members of Dominic’s Active Men’s Social hold their weekly, two-hour meeting – which includes coffee and a chat and a few games of French boules.

Established around eight years ago by a small group of people who saw the need for a social outlet for older men in the area, the Dominic’s Active Men’s Social (DAMS) has grown into a diverse and well-run outfit, which now has 45 members.

What’s special about the group is that alongside organising tailored, group-led activities and courses, it gives members the chance to put the skills and experience they have harnessed over their working life to good use, with the club’s ethos being driven by the belief that “everybody has something to give”.

Alongside the get-together each Friday, DAMS holds a range of optional activities over the course of the week such as photography and Photoshop workshops, computer training, guitar lessons, free classes in Irish, Spanish and art and the DAMS singing group.

They also organise day-trips and tours and each Wednesday meet in St Dominic’s School in Mountain Park, Tallaght, for a night of indoor bowls, table tennis or game of chess.

Derek Halligan, Glenview resident and the PRO of DAMS: “The group provides a great social outlet for men over the age of 55 in the area.

“It gives people the chance to get out-and-about and learn new skills and make new friends.

“The group is made up of people from all walks of life, and we believe that everybody has something to give – even if it’s to listen to somebody.

“Alongside having a bit of craic, the group also allows members to continue learning and achieving, alongside giving them the chance to put the skills they acquired over their years to work into the running of the club on a voluntary basis.”

The group also holds regular presentation nights to acknowledge the achievements of members, with the most recent event being staged in Ahern’s pub on February 1.

DAMS is also open to new members and for further details simply drop into the Dominic’s Community Centre between 10am and 12pm on Fridays, visit www.dominicsmen.wix.com/dams or call the centre on 4590770.