HANDS that may have laid blocks, milked cows, driven machinery or piked hay have now shown their artistic side thanks to Doon and District Men’s Shed. The talents are displayed at an art and craft exhibition in Dooradoyle Library, Limerick city, which runs until Saturday, April 11. Deputy Richard O’Donoghue formally opened the exhibition, saying he was “absolutely blown away by the talent” Con Horrigan, vice-chairman and who oversees the painting committee, said Men’s Sheds open a lot of doors to members. “We had a number of artists, woodturners and carvers but it was Doon’s Men’s Shed that got us together. We met one evening and we decided to set up an art group and we started with four members,” explains Con. They tried the different mediums - pencil, charcoal, acrylic and oil - and each had their favourite. “A retired art teacher Juju Fahy came in and gave us some lessons on the finer points of drawing and it made a big difference. The woodturning came about the same way. Tom Hayes and Larry Ryan (V) have produced some fantastic pieces, some of which are on display,” said Con, who along with John Slattery and Martin Lenihan did the paintings. Their creativity and skill can be seen in a selection of pieces featured on this page. Con continued: “We never thought our art and crafts were good enough to be put on display, but Dooradoyle Library did not look at it that way. Margaret Griffin and her staff took great care in the way they displayed the exhibits.” Con thanked Dooradoyle Library, saying they were very proud to work with them. “It was a great success. It looks like we will have to work on another exhibition in the future,” said Con, who thanked Deputy O Donoghue TD for opening the exhibition. “He has been a fantastic friend to Doon & District Men’s Shed over the years,” he concluded. The Limerick County TD encouraged young and old to make the trip to Dooradoyle Library and enjoy their handiwork. “I am absolutely blown away by the talent. It
PICTURES: Men’s Shed display their hidden talents in art and craft exhibition in Limerick library
