Mens shed is now going from strength to strength
By Maurice Garvey
FROM tentative beginnings, Clondalkin Mens Shed has gone from operating out of a local woman’s garage, to hammering out carpentry projects for local groups in two, upgraded, portocabins at their new home in Mayfield Court.
The group finally found a permanent home 12 months ago at a site formerly used by Presentation nun Sister Kathleen Barrett as an after-school homework club.
Fintan Mullaly, Mick McGreevey and Frank Cousins
Last year, Clondalkin Mens Shed received a massive boost in funding from South Dublin County Council’s 300K Have Your Say fund, and Microsoft Grange Castle.
“We are very thankful for the funding and to the people of Clondalkin,” said Frank Cousins, a Clondalkin Mens Shed member, who spearheaded the drive for a permanent location for the group.
“We are inundated with work requests, and have already carried out work on 20 buddy benches, six chairs and an eight foot dinner table, which was delivered to a nursing home in Celbridge.
“The old container was rotten. SDCC looked for second hand portacabins, and got two from a golf club, which are guaranteed for 25 years.”
Mayor Mark Ward and guests at the official opening
Mr Cousins said the membership is now up to 25 but they will happily take on new members.
“We go swimming on a Monday and Friday in Clondalkin, and some of us play football on a Thursday,” he said.
Contact Frank Cousins for more information on Clondalkin Mens Shed activities on 085-7508230.
Mayor Mark Ward said the idea for the Mayfield site came about when he met Sister Kathleen Barret, who retiring last year but wanted the day house to remain in community use.
