The Men’s Club provides hive of activity and a social outlet

EVERY Friday morning the St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre in Kilnamanagh is a hive of activity as a group of between 12 and 15 retired men gather to enjoy breakfast together.

The attendees are all members of a group called The Men’s Club, that provides a laidback but friendly social outlet for the members to enjoy.

Men from Kilnamanagh, Kingswood and Tymon North take part in the group, with new members always welcome to attend.

Johnny Fegan, 79, who lives in Kilnamanagh and used to work as a carpenter and chimney cleaner, has been involved in The Men’s Club since it started in 2018.

“It started off with Susan Morgan, Cynthia Moore, Grainne Begley and Dave Grey,” Johnny, who is originally from Kimmage, told The Echo.

“Word got around that there was a breakfast in the resource centre on Friday morning, so I went up one day.”

Johnny has happily maintained his involvement in The Men’s Club ever since which, after a hearty full Irish breakfast, sees members socialise and engage in activities together.

“The idea of the club was to get men out of the house,” Johnny explained.

“It’s very good.

“We talk about things like cars and insurance, and a few of the lads play pool and cards and dominoes.

“We have breakfast every week – one man makes it every week, and we take turns doing it, and then two or three of us clean up after it’s done.

” All of the founders of The Men’s Club have since retired, with the exception of Susan Morgan, who is now at the helm of the group alongside Lesley O’Reilly and Yvonne Anderson.

“The group still operates the same way it always has, offering an informal and friendly environment for all who attend.

“Everyone looks forward to the Friday morning, but we’d still see each other when we’re out walking during the week,” explained Johnny.

“We’re mostly just yapping or talking around the place on Friday morning, and once or twice a year we’d go out for a meal and go bowling.”

The fee for attending the group is €10 a month, which includes the full Irish breakfast each week and the group’s annual meal and outing.

“I’m a great believer in getting out of the house,” said Johnny.

“I’ve an allotment in Bohernabreena so I go there a lot, and then on Fridays I come down to the centre and have a chat with the lads.

“There’s always something there to take your interest, and it’s very relaxed and laidback.

“People can just show up on a Friday morning and they’d be more than welcome to.

“Anyone that comes is more than welcome and it’s up to yourself if you stay or go. “I’d recommend anybody to come up and try it out.”

The Men’s Club meets in St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre from 10am to 12 midday every Friday. For more information, call Lesley O’Reilly at the St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre on 01 462 7149.