Public support will help repair facility wrecked by vandals
Money has come pouring in to repair a poly tunnel that had been wrecked by vandals in Tuam.
The facility was provided by the local Men’s Shed group as an education aid for local primary school children. One of their members, 85 year old Frank Hession – a man with a strong agricultural background – was the driving force behind the initiative.
The poly tunnel was erected and nurtured as part of the Tuam Men’s Shed project – but it was badly damaged in recent weeks.
The good news, however, is that there has been an upsurge in financial support to have it replaced, according to Derek Cassidy who was involved in establishing the Men’s Shed group.
The poly tunnel was located on the Dublin Road on the grounds of the old St. Patrick’s College. It was used for the growing of tomatoes and other vegetables but now it has got to be replaced and at no small cost to those involved in the Men’s Shed initiative.
Derek Cassidy described the vandalism as a mean act and one that had infuriated the 20 plus members. He said that those responsible for the damage had punched holes in the fabric and kicked the structure in – to the point that it could not be recovered.
Frank Hession is one of the original members of the Tuam Men’s Shed and one of the most enthusiastic. He played golf for years at Tuam Golf Club and was delighted when the concept of a Men’s Shed was nurtured in the town.
Derek Cassidy said that the poly tunnel was wrecked by vandals and it was very hard for Frank Hession to take having been behind its establishment.
But he said that hundreds of euro had been donated to the replacement of the poly tunnel following the publicity that the vandalism had received from The Connacht Tribune.
Derek added that the members of Tuam Men’s Shed were deeply appreciative of the financial support and would be replacing the poly tunnel.
Tuam Men’s Shed was established more than two years ago and has between 20 and 30 regular members. One of their biggest projects was transforming the old wooden viewing structure on High Street.