THE Men’s Shed in Gaoth Dobhair took the opportunity over Halloween to launch Ireland’s first-ever ‘Conversation Club’ – with the help of some well-dressed vampirinas and vampires.
Austin O’Donnell, chairperson of the Scioból na bfhear Men’s Shed, said the ‘Conversation Club’ will be twinned with a new book club and will help ease the isolation and loneliness some people, especially older persons, feel in rural areas, a common problem during the harsh winter months ahead.
“This sense of isolation creates many health problems, both physical and mental, and we want to do all we can to help people overcome those problems,” said Austin. “Being among others and talking freely over a cuppa creates comfort. We’re delighted to be the first such ‘Conversation Club’ in the entire country.
“Conversation is an art and one that should be encouraged at all costs. It is a charming skill that has helped make Ireland so attractive a destination and Irish people so well-liked across the world. A huge tourism industry has been created out of it, one that is crucial to the overall economy of the country.”
Added Liam O’Gogain, a Shed member, “Our Shed comprises an all-embracing group, welcoming people from all walks of life, all creeds, all races, from all countries. While we are entitled ‘Men’s Shed,’ many women participate in our activities, creating opportunities together and contributing to the overall well-being of our community. And, after all, conversation is often the best form of craic.”
As for the vampirinas and vampires present on Halloween night, the Night of the Living Dead, they were led by Transylvania-born, Columbia Hillen, medical herbalist and photographer, and Maggie McKinney, a fellow blood-sucker originally from Castlewellan who now lives near Falcarragh and is an actress with the Cloughaneely Players, a local drama group.
Maggie is also a qualified hypno-therapist. Columbia’s husband, Sean, an author, hosted a multi-presentation on his memoir ‘Digging for Dracula’ based on his experiences as a foreign correspondent for some years for The Times, London, The Irish Times and New York’s Time magazine in Romania and the wider eastern Europe.
Based on the tradition of ‘Meitheal,’ as well as its motto ‘Ní neart gan chur le chéile’ meaning ‘Strength is in teamwork.’, Gaoth Dobhair Men’s Shed members collaborate on projects, share skills, pursue hobbies and crafts, play bowls (we have our own bowling alley), darts, pool/billiards and cards, the game of 25s being a local passion. It also hosts a weekly sing-along to which everyone, both men and women, are invited.
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