Dozens of men’s sheds members from across the country descended upon Killarney National Park last week to tackle the scourge of invasive rhododendron. The initiative saw 50 men’s sheds members from 15 sheds throughout Ireland travel at the invitation of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (KCTC) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Originally introduced as ornamentation and hunting cover in the 18th century, rhododendron ponticum poses a serious threat to native flora and fauna in the 10,000ha park, including the Kerry slug, Killarney fern and Ireland’s only herd of native deer.

Men's shed members are briefed by Johnny McGuire of Killarney Chamber.

As part of an ongoing, multi-faceted initiative to manage the problem, men’s sheds members were invited to the park for a third successive year. The members, who hail from sheds as distant as North Belfast Men’s Shed and Blarney Men’s Shed in Co Cork, were accommodated by some of Killarney’s most prominent and prestigious hotels as part of KCTC’s commitment to tackling the issue.

Killarney is proud of its tradition as a place of welcome

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

Mayor Gleeson paid glowing tribute to the impact of men’s sheds on communities throughout Kerry and beyond; “Killarney is proud of its tradition as a place of welcome,” he said. “It is especially proud to welcome you, the people who by your lives and good deeds are the exemplars for a hopefully ever-better Ireland for all.”

After a comprehensive briefing on safety and environmental preservation from park ranger Tim Cahillane, members gathered on Monday morning at the Cloghereen/Blue Pool section of the park, where they are helping to clear rhododendron from a walking route for the visually impaired.

To be able to bring 50 of our members to this beautiful, majestic place is just fantastic

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

For his part, Barry Sheridan of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association expressed his members’ appreciation for the hospitality and support of KCTC 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. Our members have been stunned by the welcome they’ve received from KCTC, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the hoteliers of Killarney. It just goes to show how deep hospitality runs in the lifeblood of this town.”

The men’s sheds members spent two days tackling the invasive shrub, punctuated by a social evening at Killarney Men’s Shed and lunches provided by Muckross House Garden Restaurant, with a farewell dinner hosted at The Laurels restaurant in the heart of Killarney town.

For as long as rhododendron threaten one of Ireland’s natural wonders, men’s sheds members will be ready and willing

The initiative is the brainchild of Killarney pharmacist Finbarr Kennelly of Kennelly’s Pharmacy. Accommodation was provided by the Randles Hotel; the Killarney Park Hotel; the Dromhall Hotel; Scotts Hotel; the International Hotel; the Gleneagle Hotel; the Brehon Hotel; the Lake Hotel; the Killarney Plaza Hotel and the Great Southern Hotel.

As the happy but tired throng of members made their weary way home, many expressed a desire to return. For as long as rhododendron threaten one of Ireland’s natural wonders, men’s sheds members will be ready and willing, hatchets in hand, to help reclaim the unmatched splendour of Killarney National Park.