Members of the men shed in Clondalkin with Jessica Handy, Archivist, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and Rebecca McLaughlin, Health & Wellbeing Manager, Irish Men’s Sheds Association
‘Value of the work is we do it together’ at the Men’s Shed
JOINING a men’s shed leaves no time for dossing at the Clondalkin chapter, where members enjoy a busy weekly schedule, which includes craftsmanship, twice weekly swims at the leisure centre, thrice weekly gardening activities at a community garden in Fonthill, walks in Corkagh Park, and numerous other adventures the group carry out over the year.
“I’m as busy now as when I was working,” admitted Tommy O’Neill, Secretary, Clondalkin Men’s Shed, who worked from 1952-2008.
Tommy (84) was devastated after his wife died in 2014, but found great solace in a collaborative group of men, and believes that is it’s strongest quality.
“We can help each other with personal problems. Everybody has their own story, but the value of the work is we do it together. One member was prescribed by his doctor to come here after diagnosis with depression.
“But the good thing is that once you come through the door, you lighten up and have a cup of tea and a chat. A grandchild says I am old but have the brain of a kid. We all think we are young here.”
Over the summer, Clondalkin Men’s Shed were chosen by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to create bespoke cabinets for display at RCSI’s Library Heritage Collections.
The project was connected to RCSI’s Heritage Week programme.
The institution contacted Irish Men’s Shed, who recommended none other than the Clondalkin chapter, who worked on projects for years without a stable home, before finally establishing a permanent base in 2018 at Maryfield Court.
Counting approximately 25 members, Tommy says the group meet at 1.30pm every day at their shed in Maryfield Court, and includes Chair Frank Cousins and Treasurer Pat Mockler.
“The RCSI were exceptional – we got the call from head office because of all the work we have done,” said Tommy.
“The lads are more than happy to do it. We don’t see it as working, it is a challenge. We got it done in five weeks.”
Anyone interested in joining Clondalkin Men’s Shed can contact Tommy at 087 6168546.
