The recreational game of scooch is set to be rolled out across different parts of Donegal, thanks to a joint initiative by Donegal Men’s Shed and Donegal Sports Partnership.
Scooch is a new game that was introduced in Ireland last year. An adaption of shufflebooard, scooch is played on a flat surface with pushers and discs, with the discs pushed to targets.
Castlefinn Men’s Shed had the distinction of hosting Donegal’s first ever scooch blitz recently.
There’s a good expression of interest across the county from various men’s sheds in getting involved in the scooch blitzes, according to Karen Guthrie, Community Sports Development Officer with Donegal Sports Partnership.
“Scooch is a recreational game and the fact that it can be played indoors makes it an all-year-round activity,” she commented.
“Donegal Sports Partnership are working closely with Donegal Men’s Sheds volunteer support worker, Kathleen Bonner, on this project. We are liaising with Kathleen in our efforts to add a physical activity slant to the men’s sheds locally, while also offering them something different,” Karen added.
“Castlefinn Men’s Shed hosted the first scooch blitz day last week and we are trying to organise different men’s sheds to come together for what is also a social gathering. We are currently looking for expressions of interest from the 26 Men’s Sheds in Donegal with a view to hosting blitz days in the various regions. To date, there’s been a good level of interest.
“We’re hoping to schedule a blitz at a venue in the different areas over the next four months, with the aim of engaging men into the programme. It’s a non-competitive activity and all involved meet up for a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. It’s all good crack and good fun.”
DSP along with Donegal Men’s Shed are planning to organise the next blitz at the end of April, with Killybegs the likely venue.
“We’re hoping to be in a position be able to stage one blitz per month. It’s being rolled out on a come-and-try basis. They can come along and if they like it we will give them the support to continue and maybe schedule blitzes locally on a more regular basis in a social and non-competitive environment,” the DSP officer said.
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