Gweedore launches Ireland’s only ‘Conversation Club’

Scioból na bhFear (The Men’s Shed) in Gweedore took the opportunity over Halloween to launch Ireland’s first-ever ‘Conversation Club’.

The Conversation Club aims to get rural people involved and bring something new to the locality, especially during the winter months. 

Expanding its activities, the Men’s Shed launched its special ‘Book Club’ on Halloween night with an appropriate Transylvanian vampire theme.

The Men’s Shed warmly welcomed author, publisher and former foreign correspondent for The Irish Times in Eastern Europe, Sean Hillen as a guest speaker. Sean hosted a multi-media presentation based on his travels through Transylvania, Romania, in search of the historical origins of Bram Stoker’s Long-toothed character, which led to Sean’s memoir, ‘Digging for Dracula,’ designed as a book-in-a-coffin.

“We are delighted Sean has agreed to be a guest speaker and help launch our new book club, our latest activity for everyone in the locality, especially important during the long - and for some, lonely - winter months to come,” said Liam O’Gogain, Shed member and organiser of the new book club. 

“This is an extension of our activities and follows our recently launched ‘Movie Club’ where people enjoy watching classic films and discussing them over a friendly cuppa.”

As for the guests present on Halloween night, they were led by Transylvania-born, Columbia Hillen wife of correspondent Sean 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 hypnotherapist.  

Austin O’Donnell, chairperson of the Men’s Shed, said the ‘Conversation Club,’ the first in the country, 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.

“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.” 

“Our Shed comprises an all-embracing group, welcoming people from all walks of life, all creeds, all races, from all countries. While we are called ‘Men’s Shed,’ many women participate in our activities, creating opportunities together and contributing to the overall well-being of our community after all, conversation is often the best form of craic,” Liam O’Gogain added.

Reflecting the inventive and innovative nature of the Gweedore Men’s Shed, the group will also offer a ‘hybrid’ option to people - Zoom interaction - for those experiencing medical or physical difficulties that prevent them from attending the sessions in person. 

“Such online facilities will not only enhance discussions but help a lot of people suffering from isolation and loneliness which brings on depression, a situation of particular concern in rural areas such as West Donegal,” said Liam. 

Gweedore Men’s Shed members collaborate on projects, share skills, pursue hobbies, crafts, play bowling, darts, pool/billiards and cards. It also hosts a weekly sing-along to which everyone, both men and women, are invited.    

Scioból na bhFear, Gweedore opens its doors on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, as well as Friday mornings. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed.