Men’s Shed goes from strength to strength
THE Kilnamanagh Men’s Shed has grown since its recent amalgamation with the Glenview Men’s Shed – and the group is keen for even more new members to join the fold.
Based in the Kilnamanagh Family Resource Centre, the Kilnamanagh Men’s Shed has become the new home for members of the Glenview Men’s Shed, after the lease on their premises ended last month.
The addition of the new members has seen the Kilnamanagh group grow from eight members to 15, with room for more to join.
PJ Conroy, chairman of the Kilnamanagh Men’s Shed, told The Echo: “The Glenview Men’s Shed didn’t have a premises anymore so they approached us [about amalgamating].
“We said no problem, we’d be delighted to cooperate with them.
Paul O’Sullivan
We’re delighted to have them, because they add to the skills our members already have.
“As the two groups have become one, we’ve been able to extend our opening hours.
“We used to do 10am to 12pm, Tuesday to Thursday, but now we’re open Tuesday to Friday, from 11am to 3pm.
Robert Olliffe
“It’s been great, because the enthusiasm is greater with them and there’s a stronger will to move forward and do things.”
The men, who are aged from 45 up to 80, participate in a number of activities including woodturning, gardening, playing darts, and building flower boxes and bird houses.
The group also grows tomato plants and flowers, and offers a social outlet for members appealing to all manner of interests.
“The Men’s Shed is whatever you want it to be,” added PJ.
“You can come for a cup of tea and a chat, and some members like making things with the woodturning machine.
“I’d see it as somewhere where you can go to get to know people in the area better, and where you can find out what their backgrounds are and what skills they have.”
An annual membership for the Kilnamanagh Men’s Shed costs €20, and PJ encourages anyone who feels it may be of interest to them to visit the group and experience the Men’s Shed environment.
“I think anyone who’s interested should, by all means, come down, have a look and see if they like what they see,” he said.
“The atmosphere is friendly and relaxing.
“And we have the three As: it’s available, it’s accessible, and it’s affordable.”
