Men's sheds across the country are starting to open their doors once again after being closed for much of the last 18 months due to the Covid pandemic.
The popular men's movement includes several different branches across the Shannonside region - including in the Killoe parish just outside of Longford town.
Tomorrow, the Killoe Mens Shed, which was established in 2017, will host an open day, from 11am until 3pm to encourage new members to join, but also to thank the local community for their help and support during the pandemic, as well as the last number of years.
Kevin McGillicuddy popped down to the men's shed last night to have a chat with some of the members:
Brian McInerney summing up the appeal of the Killoe men's shed, and the wider men's shed movement for many.
The 'Shedders' in Killoe meet every week on a Thursday for their social gathering, but the shed itself is open almost every day for men of all ages to put their hands to wood working, or maybe some gardening, or even just to have a sit-down and chat over a cup of team.
Billy Bratten is chair of the men's shed in Killoe- he says they actually have a woman to thank for their creation :
The shed's activities are supported by grants from Longford County Council and the LCRL as wlel as sales of the products produced by the men.
Mossie Burns is the 'foreman' of the workshop where the men make planter boxes, garden furniture or turn their hand to whatever they feel might be useful.
He says there is something for men of all ages and talents to get involved with :
Billy admits that the Covid pandemic was tough for their members:
The working and gardening is only half the appeal of the shed according to Brian.
He says that along with the work, there is also a healthy dose of craic among the shedders:
The open day in Killoe is this Saturday from 11am to 3pm and it's open to all men of all ages as Mossie says they would love to see some younger members get involved :
You can hear the full interview package from Let's Talk here:
Brian McInerney's full interview is here:
You can hear Billy Bratten's full interview here:
You can hear Mossie Byrnes' full interview here
