So on Tuesday as I pulled into the men's shed , I hardly arrived and the lads were coming over to me before I had the car parked fully " Ger , Ger , there is a swarm of bees up the town " . 

Needless to say I got directions from the guys and drove off up to the centre of town . 

When I arrived at the town square , on top of Winkles I saw the swarm , a nice swarm and it would of being a lovely addition to my apairy . 

One problem !! 
They were on the chimney of the shop - actually it turned out they were on the chimney of Sherry Fitzgerald's next door to the newsagents and I had no ladder with me long enough to reach them . 

When bees swarm they are looking for a new home - its a bit ironic that they landed on Sherry Fitzgeralds - and were also looking for a new home  

So I packed up my stuff and had to settle for only being able to take a few photos of the swarm , not being able to reach it . 

Wednesday morning and my phone began to ring and get text messages at about 10am . The swarm (I'm guessing it was the same one ) had come down from the chimney and settled on the Vodafone shop . 

So it was back into the car and off up the town again ( I'm glad I always keep some basic beekeeping equipment in the car and in this case a nuc and a bee suit and a water sprayer are ample ) 

When I got there , the bees had decided to move and only a few were left behind. 

Video credit Cllr Thomas Redmond 

So where ever they have settled I hope they are happy . 

If by chance you notice a swarm of bees and your not happy with them - do contact me , and if I can I'll do my best to remove them . 
You should not be too worried about the swarm - leave it alone and it will leave you alone . 
When bees have swarmed they are looking for a new home. They have left the old home and brought some of their store's with them ( honey ) in their honey stomachs . Which is why ( in general ) they should not sting you. 
With a full tummy - its too hard to bend and jab you with their tail when they are full of honey . They also don't have a hive to defend - they are out looking for one . So leave them alone and they will leave you alone 

Today was a great day , I was asked if I would speak to Active Retirement Ireland at their Marigold Festival Series event in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on behalf of the Irish Men's Sheds Association . 

I was not expecting such a good day and any nerves about speaking to a big crowd were quickly deminished with such a warm welcome from Active Retirement Ireland's local committee and Maura Mc Auliffe . 

Some of the sights and sounds from the day 

The room begins to fill up 

Home Instead Anne Doyle and Good2talk.ie were some big acts to follow 

"Sweet Tunes" singing group really had the crowd "Boppin" 

So your out and about in the garden , drive way or street and notice a bee in trouble , limp lifeless and not flying around . 
If your able to , make a small mixture of water and sugar , or get a small drop of honey into some water and diffuse it well. Bring a teaspoon of the mixture and place some of it in front of the bee in trouble . 

Nature will do the rest 

Video credit Philip H Clarkson

So delighted to of being able to help a few of the lads in Rathangan to get their men's shed started last night. 

They are in a great position - already having somewhere to hold their shed and a large group of lads who all want to get involved.

For more information about what's happening in Rathangan Men's Shed contact John on 087 991 9264  

Video credit Kieran O'Doherty