The song “Two Little Boys” (originally titled “When We Were Two Little Boys”) was written by lyricist Edward Madden and composer Theodore F. Morse in 1903.
This song is a celebration of loyalty and friendship. With that in mind we focus on two members of Kilkenny Men’s Shed, Shem Muldowney and Micheal Bergin.
When they were two little boys, they started school together in 1951.The school was in Lisnafunchin National School and they spent many a day playing with their wooden horses, pretending to be warriors. As the years passed, life took them in different directions, and they went on to have successful careers, got married and raisedfamilies.
It wasn’t until some years later, their paths again crossed in Kilkenny Men’s Shed where their friendship was rekindled. The bond made all those years ago in the Lisnafunchin school yard stood the test of time and remained unbroken.
The two men meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Men’s Shed where they work away fixing old bicycles, having the chat and reminiscing about times gone by. And there is no doubt but they’re in good company with the other menfolk on Chapel Lane.
Behind the shed door, a group of men gather, who have lifelong experiences and skills to share. Whilst books and you tube are a valuable resource for learning, the Men’s shed can never be underestimated. The power of the practical exchange of skills between the generations cannot be questioned. The Men’s Shed is open to all men from 18 years plus. It offers the ideal opportunity to help bridge the generational divide and pass on traditions. On that note if you or anyone you know would like to join, please call up any Tuesday afternoon from 2pm. The eircode is R95 DW32. You can contact The Men’s shed on 085 8381653 or by email on kilkenny@mensshed.ie
A note to finish: while sitting and chatting at The Men’s shed last Tuesday, this reporter was treated to the most delicious chocolate cake. The reason being that a member of that august body of men, Leo Wemyss was celebrating a birthday. We didn’t ask an age. However we did enjoy the Gateaux. Ah sure it would have been bad manners not to.
