Mayo County Council present Brendan Duffy with Certificate Marking his Shortlisting in Community Volunteer of the Year Awards”

Date: 26-05-2023

Mayo County Council were delighted to present Brendan Duffy, chairperson of Westport Men’s Shed with a certificate marking his shortlisting in Community Volunteer of the Year category at the recent All Ireland Community and Council Awards.

Brendan was presented with his certificate by Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seamus Weir at an event in the Westport Civic Offices.

The Cathaoirleach spoke about the great pride that Brendan should take in being recognised in these awards for all the great work that he has done with Westport Men’s Shed and the contribution that the group has made to the town of Westport. He also praised the volunteer spirit that brings groups like the men’s shed together to make their communities better places to live and visit for all.

Cllr Christy Hyland, Cathaoirleach of the West Mayo Municipal District also praised the work and endeavours of Brendan and the group, pointing out several projects that they had completed in the town 

Brendan has been the chair of Westport Men’s Shed for 10 years. The group has grown from strength to strength under his stewardship. The membership was at its largest just before Covid at 50 members but because of Brendan’s gentle nature and knowledge of the group he managed to maintain the group.

He did this by to keeping up contact with members throughout the lockdowns through telephone calls, zoom video calls and walks. Brendan understands how isolation and loneliness can impact on mental health as is a retired psychotherapist with the HSE.

Brendan has helped steer the development of a deep sense of community within the group. This is can be seen through the many community projects done in collaboration with other community groups such as Westport Tidy Towns, Active Retirement Group, Meals on Wheels and St Vincent De Paul.