NCW Women’s Shed break tradition and bring politics to the table ahead of General Election

FROM JIVING to beauty masterclasses and trips away to Spain, the Newcastle West Women’s Shed is a fun-loving group.

Described as a “safe space” and “like a hug”, where women over the age of 55 go to be shielded from the outside world for an hour or two, the women’s shed was established two years ago.

With 60 members who do an assortment of weekly activities and take trips away when they get the chance, politics is never at the forefront of the group’s mind and, collectively, they have a rule to “leave politics and religion firmly at the door” upon entrance.

Taking chairperson Brigid Breen and long-term member Joan O’Shea away from their chair aerobics session at the Desmond Complex in Newcastle West on a freezing cold November night is something of regret, but necessary nonetheless, because questions need answering.

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“More grants and funding for premises for us to meet would be nice,” says Ms Breen, who is from Newcastle West but lives in Monagea.

“We pay rent here at the Desmond Complex. It is the committee that have to go after the money and canvas the local politicians to help us out, but the group itself stays away from politics.”

Pointing out that the women’s shed is made up of “an ageing community”, both women say that they “would like to see better healthcare for older people”.

“My big thing is mental health, and I don’t think there is enough facilities for people struggling with their mental health,” Ms Breen continues.

“We need it for youth, but for older people too, for those who are widowed or those who have long illnesses.”

Noting that funding for carers is a prominent issue within the community, and, indeed, for members of the women’s shed, Ms O’Shea says the next Government need to “step up” and address the issue.

“There is a big problem in that area, carers. We spoke to people in the group who have applied to get carers and there are none available,” she explains.

“Some people care for others at home and come here to get a break, too.”

With just days to go before they step into the polling booth, have these ladies their minds made up on who they will support?

“I vote more or less for the person than the party,” Ms Breen declares while Ms O’Shea says she is “considering total change”.

“I think Independents will do very well in the upcoming election,” says Ms O’Shea, who was born in Rathkeale and has been living in Newcastle West for 53 years.

“We will never have a Government in Ireland again with one party, that’s in the past. There will always be a coalition and they get very comfortable. You need a good opposition to keep them in tow.”