This event was held in Rathcormac Community Centre on the
afternoon of Wednesday 7th
November 2018 in conjunction with Rathcormac Community Council and supported by
the Community Work Department HSE Cork North.
The event was split into two discussion sessions and was
facilitated by Muintir's Finbarr Motherway. Maria Ham of Go For Life commenced with a
warm up session and information was provided by Ger O Connor of Ballyhoura
Befriending service and Mary Allen of Avondhu Blackwater Community Connect.
John Arnold provided an insightful funny and thought provoking finale to a very
enjoyable afternoon.
During the sessions we posed some questions to the 30
participants of which there were 24 men and six women. See below the questions
and responses.
Q. I think the local pub is a good place for socializing and
catching up with friends.
Discuss
Benefits of a local pub in rural Ireland.
Most agreed that the pub was a good
place to socialise and meet up for the following reasons.
o For family
and community events eg Birthdays After funerals etc.
o It is a neutral venue where you can meet up
with friends, meet the locals, stay in contact, catch up on local news and
gossip.
o A place to
share problems.
o Good for
single men and country bachelors.
o A place for
newcomers to get acquainted with the locals.
o Sometimes
the only place to go.
o Some small
communities would be decimated if they lost the local pub.
o Good for
socialising and you would be sure to meet somebody.
o Depending
on venue the pub can be good for non-drinkers too eg have tea coffee minerals,
food.
o Sports
clubs and Community groups often use the pub for social events. and for
fundraising
o Great for
music and entertainment if not too loud.
Disadvantages
of the pub being the centre of social activities in rural Ireland?
Some suggested that the pub should not be the centre of
social activities because of the following.
o Pubs can be
noisy not allowing people to hold conversations. Eg blaring music, loud
Television etc
o Pubs can be
dangerous when lots of alcohol has been consumed.
o There are
other venues like community centres
o May
encourage young people to take up drink
o May exclude
some people
o May
encourage over indulgence and cause family, health and social problems.
Friction in the home.
o Encourage Drinking
as a habit.
Q 2 There are many good alternatives to socializing in the
local Pub.
Discuss
·
Where can I catch up with my friends? When we had a
local pub, I could just drop in of an evening and meet up with people.
·
Make a list of possible venues where men can
socialize? (Write on post-it in one or two words)
The list of possible venues identified by the participants
for men to meet up included:
o The local
Men’s Shed group. Local men’s club sports clubs.
o After Mass,
Parish Centre, Car boot sales, Vintage Car /Tractor clubs, Coursing club
o Bingo, Card
Playing eg 45 drives.
o At the post
office, local mart, Community Centre
o Groups of
interest eg dancing, waltzing.
o Walking
groups, Active retirement.
o Afternoon
Dancing and Concerts
o GAA
Clubs,Day Centres, Golf Clubs, Pitch and Putt club, sports halls,
o Hobbies, Gym, Toastmaster. Social initiative group.
o Drama
Groups. Tea Coffee mornings.
o Monday
club.
What Barriers do men face in maintaining their mental
wellness?
Discuss
What prevents me from having a strong mental outlook?
Prompts………Money worries. Health problems? Lack of transport?
Lack of places to go? I’m shy? Lack of confidence? Lack of motivation? I’m over
the hill? Others?
The responses included:
o Depression,
dark nights, Isolation, Pace of life has changed, living alone, Transport, lack
of company for a chat, fear of going to doctor,
o Loneliness,
lack of exercise, money problems, lack of education, lacking or missing an
inspirational partner, Ill Health,
o Today’s
phone systems are too complicated, Stress, lack of activity, Over dependent on
family and not meeting others, Don’t want to be a burden on family,
o Men less
social then women, rural transport limited, not getting involved in the
community, leading isolated hermit style existence,
o Unfamiliar with technology, Dealing with big
companies on phone, safety fears lack of Gardaí, Not prepared for old age and
Anxiety.
My FITNESS
On a scale of 1 to 10 how healthy am I (1 being totally unfit
and 10 being very fit)
What kind of activities do you currently take part in to
maintain your physical health?
Prompts…………Swim? Jog?
Walk? Hill walking? Dancing, golf Pitch n Putt, gardening, cycling, aerobics,
Tai Chi or Yoga?
We didn’t have much time to deal with this question on the
day but most responded that they were reasonably fit both mentally and
physically and took part in some of the above activities.
 |
What types of clubs/ groups/skills would you like to join/learn or have nearby to
maintain your physical and mental wellness ?
There are many options for men to join including Fermoy Mens
Clubs who organise a variety of activities and talks for their members.
Membership is not confined to Fermoy residents but is open to
all men in the area. There are Men’s Sheds in Fermoy and Carrignavar Mens Shed
has recently been set up also. A stickmakers club and allotments were
also identified as an option for men.
The list identified from responses to question two also offer many possibilities for men to join and get
involved, learn new skills and help out in your community.
Meals on wheels and joining a community council were also
identified as good ways to feel good about yourself.
Note
The participants felt that the questions posed were amenable,
positive and practical and they were happy with the format, which led to a free
flowing discussion in which everybody took part.
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