Loneliness and isolation has become a significant issue across parts of Tipperary

Lonelisness and isolation among men in North Tipperary is a "significant issue", a recent meeting was told.

READ NEXT: Live TV details for Tipperary's big, rescheduled National Hurling League clash with Waterford

Cllr Michael O'Meara told the monthly meeting of Nenagh Municipal District that in rural areas in particular this problem is noticeable.

“I live in a very rural area,” he remarked, “and it's evident that single men are sometimes finding it difficult to reach out to and engage with others. There's a sense that this problem was exacerbated by Covid.”

Cllr O'Meara pointed out that the Scéal Community Hall in Lorrha is busy. “I notice that there are quite a few people going to the Scéal Hall for coffee and tea.

"Years ago many of them would no doubt have gone to the pub to socialise and interact with others but alcohol costs are high and even one standard drink, such as a small glass of wine or half a pint of beer, could put you over the drink driving limit. Also, because of lifestyle changes a lot of people don't drink alcohol anymore.”

Cllr O'Meara said he receives phone calls from men “who might be ringing you about some Council-related issue or other but it becomes obvious during the conversation that they are also simply enjoying the chat and reaching out.”

The Councillor made his comments following a presentation by Eoin Kaar of Tipperary County Council about the Healthy Ireland (Tipperary) programme which is a national, government-led framework designed to improve health and wellbeing in communities.

The programme envisions a society where people can enjoy health to their full potential. There is a strong focus on prevention and wellbeing. Every county has a Healthy Ireland / Healthy County Coordinator to drive the programme through community-based programmes and partnerships.

The Coordinator in Tipperary is Eoin Kaar (Eoin.Kaar@Tipperarycoco.ie). The priorities of the programme are physical activity; mental health supports; healthy eating and nutrition workshops; increasing the percentage of adults aged 50+ engaged in social activities at least once per week.

Highlighted activities during Mr Kaar's presentation included Aqua Fit and Swimming; Activator Walking Pole Programmes and Boccia Tournaments.

In partnership with the Silver Arch Family Resource Centre in Nenagh and the North Tipperary Development Company a number of Social Engagement Activities are underway including: Community Choir; Positive Psychology Workshops; Digital Literacy; Easy Exercise / Chair based exercise programmes; healthy eating / cooking workshops; men's health programmes; creative social workshops (including sewing and woodwork).

Mr Kaar told the meeting that the Healthy Ireland programme also understands the benefits of Community Gardens.

“We are also doing a lot of work with Day Care Centres throughout Tipperary,” he added.

Cllr O'Meara said it was clear from the slides of participants which Mr Kaar showed the Councillors during his presentation that “there are very few men involved in the various Healthy Ireland initiatives. This is worrying. How can we reach out more to men and get more of them involved?”

Cllr John Carroll said Healthy Ireland is doing “a huge amount of excellent work.” He agreed with Cllr O'Meara that loneliness and isolation among single men is a significant problem in the region.

Cllr JP O'Meara said he was looking forward to working with Mr Kaar “on the community gardens initiative during the coming months.”

Cllr Joe Hannigan commented that “it was heartening to see a reclusive, single man reaching out in my area recently.”

Mr Kaar commented that encouraging more men to reach out and engage “is a real target area for us. Men are notoriously difficult to get engaged in some things.

The Men's Shed movement has been very successful in Tipperary. We also notice an uptick in participation by men when we hold walking and soccer events.”

READ NEXT: Roads in North Tipp are 'disastrous' and 'dangerous'