WORKING TOGETHER: Members from 15 Men's Sheds throughout the country travelled to Killarney last week for the third consecutive year to tackle rhododendron in Killarney National Park.

There were high spirits and a huge sense of teamwork as 50 Men’s Shed members from across Ireland descended on Killarney last week to tackle an invasive plant.

Members from 15 Sheds throughout the country travelled to Killarney for the third consecutive year to tackle rhododendron in Killarney National Park.

The plant, which was introduced as ornamentation and hunting cover in the 18^th century poses a serious threat to native flora and fauna in the 10,000-hectare park, including the Kerry slug, Killarney fern and Ireland’s only herd of native deer.

The men came once again after receiving an invitation from Killarney Chamber and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It’s part of an ongoing, multi-faceted initiative, which is brainchild of Killarney pharmacist Finbarr Kennelly of Kennelly’s Pharmacy.

The members, who hail from sheds as distant as North Belfast Men’s Shed, were accommodated by some of Killarney’s most prominent and prestigious hotels as part of Killarney Chamber’s commitment to tackling the issue. They spent two days tackling the invasive shrub and enjoyed a social evening at Killarney Men’s Shed with lunches provided by the Muckross House Garden Restaurant.

The members were welcomed to Killarney by a brace of mayors – Mayor of Kerry Cllr Niall Kelleher and Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson, who were joined by local TD Brendan Griffin, at a welcoming dinner in Major Colgan’s restaurant.

After a comprehensive briefing on safety and environmental preservation from Park Ranger Tim Cahillane, members sallied forth on Monday morning to the Cloghereen/Blue Pool section of the Park, where they helped clear rhododendron from a walking route for the visually impaired.

“This is a highly visible, very prominent site,” Johnny McGuire of Killarney Chamber, a long-serving member of the Mountain Meitheal that tackles rhododendron in the Park all year round, said. “People will use this area and what the Men’s Shed group do this week will be of lasting future benefit.”

Barry Sheridan of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association expressed his members’ appreciation for the hospitality and support of Killarney Chamber and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“For us, this is a highlight of the year,” he said. “To be able to bring 50 of our members to this beautiful, majestic place is just fantastic.”