Background

Roscommon is a rural county which relies heavily on the agricultural sector as its main source of income. For the most part, farms in the county are small holdings. These vary greatly from poor land quality in the north and west of the county, to a much better land quality in the south. Nevertheless, farmers farming even the most difficult of land did continue to do so with great pride and passion.

In the past farming was a wonderful means of community involvement and the bringing of people together for various tasks, such as the turf, the hay making, the potatoes and so on. Neighbourhoods at that time were a hive of activity with face-to-face interaction and communication.

Whilst modernisation was most welcome it did increase self-independence but greatly reduced the need for neighbourly involvement, thus dramatically changing the shape of rural life for the older generation. Modern technology took over and the rambling house soon became a thing of the past.

The Rural Men’s Group was established to in some way replace the ‘rambling house’. Its main focus is to provide rural men with an opportunity to meet and chat face-to-face in a homely and safe environment.

In October 2005 the first Rural Men’s Group was established in Drumboylan Community Centre, followed in 2006 by Ballaghaderreen group, and in 2007 Dysart Rural Men’s Group was founded. In all, the three groups regularly engage with approximately 100 men in the county.

Why Rural Men’s Group?
These groups are different to service users in day care centres and other services, as it is a stand-alone men only group. Research shows that older men are a very difficult group to access and engage with.

Drumboylan Men's Group

Drumboylan Men’s Group meet each Thursday from 12.00p.m to 3.00p.m in Keadue Day Centre. A four course meal is provided at a charge of €7.00. At each weekly gathering, there are activities arranged for the group such as information talks, crafts, song, music, entertainment and social conversation. Transport provided if necessary.

Ballaghaderreen Men's Group

Ballaghaderreen Men’s Group meet each Wednesday from 12.00p.m to 3.00p.m in Ballaghaderreen Social Services Centre. A four course meal is provided at a charge of €7.00. At each weekly gathering, there are activities arranged for the group such as information talks, crafts, song, music, entertainment and social conversation. Transport provided if necessary.

Dysart Men's Group

The Dysart Rural Men’s Group was established in 2007 to provide a social outlet where men from a wide catchment area of Dysart could come and meet. The group meets on Tuesday’s between 11.30am and 3pm in the local community centre and engage in a variety of activities/talks aimed at providing information beneficial to the group members. Examples of workshops in the past include topics on health, rights & entitlements, home/farm security, finance, gardening, physical activities/games and entertainment provided by local musicians. In addition to this, a nutritious meal is provided every Tuesday.

Every year, the Dysart Rural Men’s Group attend a number of organised outings and participate with other community groups and organise initiatives that promote heritage/ history, revival of traditional farm skills and a primary school’s intergenerational project to mention a few. Their recently published book, “Dysart Rural Men’s Group-Celebrating 10 years provides additional information about the group’s aims and objectives.

For Further Information

All 3 groups operate on an open door policy of you and are always welcome to join “If you like it come again and if not, no harm” 
Contact Anthony Dockery on (090) 6630252 or email anthony@ridc.ie