RENOWNED Irish singer Mary Coughlan will visit Ennis this month where she will officially launch the Ennis Women’s Shed, the first such organisation in Europe.
The launch will take place as part of Ennis Men’s Shed’s first national conference to be held in the county capital. The conference, titled ‘No Man is an Island’ will take place on April 25 and 26 in the West County Hotel.
Frank McNamara, facilitator, Ennis Men’s Shed explained, “As the Men’s Sheds were set up to enhance or maintain the wellbeing of the participating men, this conference entitled “No man is an island”, will explore how this objective can be attained using the concept of men’s sheds.” It is hoped that the “No man is an island” conference will show how the men’s shed can be used as a tool to enhance the men’s wellbeing, both mentally and physically.”
This conference will be opened by Councillor Mary Coote Ryan, Mayor of Ennis and will be chaired by Ciana Campbell. Speakers will include: John Evoy, chairperson of the Irish Men’s Shed Association; Dr Billy O’Connell , GP; Tom Mc Evoy, director at Pieta House; Paul Gillan, Men’s Health Promotion Officer with HSE West; John Quinlivan, former Regional Development and Tourism Services Manager with Shannon Development.
He added, “This conference will be used to launch the first Women’s Shed to be created in northern hemisphere, the Ennis Women’s Shed, which is our sister organisation, born from the inspiration of Ennis men’s shed, and basing themselves on our model. Mary Coughlan, Irish Folk and Jazz singer will officially launch and be the spokesperson for Ennis Women’s Shed.”
For more information contact: Frank McNamara, Facilitator Ennis Men’s Shed, on 0852119118 or at ennismensshed@gmail.com