Rural Men’s Groups
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 continue to do so with great pride and passion. In the past, farming was a wonderful means of community involvement and the bringing together of people for various tasks, such as the turf, hay making, potato digging and so on meaning that neighbourhoods at that time were a hive of activity with face-to-face interaction and communication.
Not to mention the harvest gathering celebrations that took place on completion of the chores and the rambling house. Back then what was rural isolation? It was unheard of. Simply, ‘You were never alone’, 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; the rambling house soon became a thing of the past.
Rural Men’s Groups
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 their neighbours and friends and chat face-to-face in a homely and safe environment. Between 2005 and 2007, three Rural Men’s Groups were established in Drumboylan, Ballaghaderreen and Dysart.
In all, over 60 men regularly engage through the groups where they meet one per week for 3 hours over the winter period in their local area to chat, laugh, learn and share good times and memories with one another. In 2021, a new group was established in Roscommon Town covering the hinterland of the county town.
Why Rural Men’s Group?
Research shows that older men are a very difficult group to access and engage with. Health and wellbeing are areas of personal attention that are often neglected. These groups are stand-alone men only groups and inclusive of all men. Broadly activities hinge around providing opportunities for individuals to socially interact and leading to improving the quality of life for participants.
Example of activities include health talks, rights & entitlements, personal & home/farm security, money matters, gardening, physical activities/games, entertainment, storytelling, outings and much more. In addition, a freshly cooked meal is provided at most centres. Trips and outings around the country are regular events for the groups and social interaction with other groups is encouraged.
If you would like to join one of our groups, regularly or occasionally we would love to hear from you and rest assure you would be most welcome at any time.
Regular Weekly Meeting time and locations:
- Dysart Men’s Group: Tuesdays at 12 noon at Dysart Community Centre H53 TP94
- Ballaghaderreen Men’s Group: Wednesdays at 12 noon in Oak Grove Day Centre, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon F45 T977
- Keadue Men’s Group: Thursdays at 12 noon in Mo Cairde Centre, St. Ronans Hall, Keadue, Boyle, Co Roscommon F52 N928
- Elphin Men’s Group: Fridays at 12 noon in Elphin Day Centre F45 VE27
- Roscommon Town Men’s Group: Fridays at 11am in Roscommon Leader Partnership Offices,
The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town F42 DX61
