PICTURES: Men’s Shed display their hidden talents in art and craft exhibition in Limerick library

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 is on until April 11 so come and have a look. What they have achieved - I have never seen it before. It might encourage others to get involved with their local Men’s Shed,” said Deputy O’Donoghue.

Doon & District Men’s Shed currently has 49 members, ranging in age from 30s to the mid-70s. They are mostly retired and have a wide range of talents, which can be seen in Dooradoyle Library.

The men aren't sitting on their laurels after putting on an exhibition and were out fundraising for Daffodil Day last Friday in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

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