Flogas supports Irish Men’s Sheds in rhododendron Clearing at Killarney National Park
Energy company Flogas was one of the supporters of a 60 strong group of Men’s Sheds volunteers from all over Ireland who travelled to Killarney last November to tackle the invasive rhododendron plant at Killarney National Park. They were ‘caught on camera’ by a team from RTE’s Nationwide, which will be broadcasting the story on Friday 19th January 2024.
At Killarney National Park, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, they joined forces with their colleagues from Killarney Men’s Shed and Killarney Meitheal Group for a concentrated attack on the rhodo, which is a serious threat to the native flora and fauna of Ireland.
Louisa-Jane Dupre, marketing co-ordinator with Flogas Ireland was looking after the project for the company. She said, “Flogas has been a partner of the Irish Men’s Shed Association since 2020 and we’re delighted to be backing their involvement in this very important sustainable initiative in what is arguably one of the most beautiful parks in Ireland.”
Flogas supplied hi-vis jackets, goodie bags to the Men’s Shed volunteers and sponsored a dinner on the last night for everyone involved. Flogas also organised for a special guest, Olympian rower Monika Dukarska, to take part in a very interesting and engaging post-dinner ‘fireside chat’ about her life and career to date with interviewer Jerry O’Sullivan of Radio Kerry.
The volunteers from Dublin, Kildare, Leitrim, Sligo, Down, Armagh, Laois, Meath, Waterford, Leitrim and Tyrone were warmly welcomed by local hotels and businesses in Killarney who provided accommodation, food and transport to and from the park itself.
Eva Beirne, the national volunteer co-ordinator for Men’s Shed, said, “We were delighted to be back at Killarney National Park and huge thanks to Flogas for their support as well as every person and business who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this project the success that it was. It just wouldn’t have happened without all the local support we received.
Our volunteers had a wonderful time, there was great camaraderie and bonding doing this very important environmental work restoring native habitats. The message we would like to get out there to men of all ages who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness is that there is a place for every man in a Men’s Shed no matter your personal circumstances. The Men’s Shed is a place for men to feel included and make long-lasting friendships while engaging in a wide range of activities and projects. Finally, we’re thrilled to be part of this community driven project, and the Nationwide coverage will be a huge boost to our members!”