Slane Men’s Shed welcome cross-border visitors

Slane Men’s Shed hosted 20 members from two men’s sheds in Northern Ireland on Friday.

The Annaghmore Men’s Shed in Portadown and the Ozanam Men’s Shed in Lurgan paid a visit to Slane where they toured the shed's facilities.

The visit was funded by the Irish government as part of its work to promote North-South cooperation and engagement. The members of each of the two sheds are mostly drawn from the two main traditions in Northern Ireland.

Speaking for the Annaghmore Men’s Shed, Ian Matchett said that he and his fellow members were delighted to be visiting the Slane Men’s Shed as part of this government-funded cross border programme. He said that they would also be making later visits including places of historical interest such as Kilmainham Jail and the War Memorial Garden in Dublin.

“Within Northern Ireland, and between North and South, we have more in common than divides us. That’s as true for older men like us as it is for young people and people generally. Men’s Sheds are an important social outlet and do nothing but good for men of a certain age who may be retired or out of work. We are bringing a message of goodwill today and we’d be delighted to host a return visit from Slane Men’s Shed.”

Speaking for the Ozanam Men’s Shed, Michael Cairns said “What’s important about men’s sheds is not their equipment and tools but the people who were involved. We’re proud to say that we can find things of interest for the children of our area to do when they visit us. Being involved in a men’s shed is a way of helping others and the reality is that if you are helping others then you are also helping yourself.”

Kevin Macken, chairman of Slane and District Men’s Shed, said that he was delighted to be welcoming this cross-border visit. “We’re lucky in that we have a large shed with great facilities and equipment. But at the end of the day, it’s all about providing healthy outlets and activities for men who might otherwise be suffering from loneliness. It’s the company and companionship that is the greatest gift that men’s sheds have to offer.”

The three-hour visit included a tour of the woodwork, metalwork, pottery and other facilities that Slane Men’s Shed has to offer. There was great interest in the mobile field kitchen that shed members made earlier this year for the Slane River Rescue, in the work being done in the metalwork area, and in the pottery area that is currently being developed.

Members of Slane Men’s Shed provided songs during the lunch break and the visitors joined in with a rousing version of ‘Boys of the County Armagh’.