Kenmare Men’s Shed in search of home

One of the oldest Men’s Sheds groups in the country, in Kenmare, is seeking a roof over its head to continue its safe, male-focused, friendly environment.

The Co Kerry men have to be out of their premises, in an industrial estate near the town, by September.

Despite the advance notice, they are grateful to the shelter given to The Kenmare Men’s Shed over the past years, but cannot find a suitable alternative in the bustling tourist town.

One location, an old gymnasium, has asbestos and would cost too much to renovate; others are too far from the town.

They need a premises within walking distance of Kenmare, if not smack in the centre.

In a public appeal over the past month, on social and local media, the men say they are “now desperate to find a new premises”.

“There has been a lot of hard work done to get Kenmare Men’s Shed operational over the years.

“To lose this, after all the hard work and effort over the years by so many, would be tragic,” they said.

Cllr Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen, who has raised the matter in the county council chamber, said the ideal place would be within walking distance of the town.

“Kenmare is probably the most cosmopolitan town in the country — we have people from different backgrounds and countries,” Mr O’Connor-Scarteen said.

The shed is a terrific asset to Kenmare, helping men of all ages and backgrounds to integrate and mix and, recently, it celebrated Bastille Day with a fantastic spread of French food in honour of French-born locals, he said.

A spokesman for the group said a space at least 40ft by 30ft was needed, for workshops and talks and social gatherings in a safe, male-focused, friendly environment. Around 10 men meet at any one time.

The movement nurtures the wellbeing of men and, nationally, there are 300 groups.

Kenmare was “among the first” in Ireland.

The Australian concept of ‘shedders’, with its ethos of getting men over the age of 50 to socialise, suited Ireland, especially rural Ireland.

“Women talk face to face; men talk side to side,” a spokesman said, referring to the original idea.

The Kenmare Men’s Shed served the general area. It was used by all social classes.

“Men used to go to the pub, now they go to the shed; we have taken the place of the pub,” the spokesman said.

They were looking to expand their activities, “but, of course, cannot do this without a roof over our heads,” he added.