Early last month, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed had a fascinating tour of St. Michan’s Church in Dublin, built in the late 17th century. Led by our knowledgeable and chatty guide, John, a local man from the Liberties, we started in the church itself. John explained that, although a new organ was installed in the 1940s, the original one, on which it is reputed Handel composed, or at least practiced, his Messiah, and the original wooden organ gallery depicting 17 different musical instruments, have been preserved. However, the most unusual aspect of St. Michan’s is in the crypt underneath the church. Here the mummified remains of the great and good (and not-so-good) of 17th, 18th and 19th century Dublin are interred. Thanks to Ray for organising this visit.

Two members of our shed, Gerry and Paul, represented us at the recent networking event for all 17 of the Men’s Sheds in Fingal. As one of the main topics was the availability of grants, the meeting was attended by Cllr. Tony Murphy, Mayor of Fingal and by Rafe Costigan, Senior Community Officer. It was also an opportunity for the various sheds to share their experiences, but probably the most unusual aspect was the attendance of a delegation from South Korea on a fact finding mission as they are starting up sheds in South Korea. Many thanks to Balbriggan Men’s Shed for hosting this event and for their warm welcome and much appreciated catering.

Gerry and the Plonkers, our music group, were delighted to play in Donabate Portrane Community Centre at September’s Memory Café, a monthly event for people with dementia and their carers. As The Plonkers will be providing part of the entertainment, our shed has been involved in the planning for the forthcoming Men’s Health Week event in Newbridge Park in November. We hope to have more information about this for next month’s issue.

If you, or someone you know, wishes to join us, please call Jim, our PRO, on 086-3694316.