Music, mindset, making and mental health - all part of International Men's Day in Bushmills with Enterprise Causeway

The day started with a breakfast event hosted by BBC Northern Ireland sports presenter, Stephen Watson, who sat down to a fire side chat to share his own lived experience as a two-time kidney transplant survivor.

A panel of leaders from across business, sport and community inspired attendees with their insights on resilience, mindset and mental health. They included Glenn Irwin, Superbike Champion; Andrew Hill, founder Troggs Surf Shop, Portrush; Danny Campbell, General Manager Royal Portrush Golf Club and Andy Chapman, martial arts master and Head Coach at Team Ryano Limavady.

The morning also featured an interactive cookery demo from Chef Gareth Wilson of Titanic Museum, exploring how food, mood and performance are closely linked (particularly with his Ironman training regime!).

Breakfast was provided by award-winning chefs Sean and Trudy Brolly of Bistro at The Courthouse.

Attendees included local business owners, entrepreneurs and community members, with the panels insights and personal stories reflecting over male health, stereotypes, isolation and family responsibilities - with a strong focus on the power of connection and speaking up.

The event was delivered in partnership with Enterprise Causeway and UU Connects, with support from the International Fund for Ireland through the cross-border Connecting Communities project.

Woodwork with Ballycastle Men’s Shed

During the middle part of the day, six men from Ballycastle Men’s Shed took part in a bespoke woodcraft workshop, delivered by sustainable wood worker, David Keys.

Together they designed and built a handcrafted spindle-back bench, with the men learning traditional joinery techniques while working side by side.

More than a skills session, the workshop created space for men to talk, collaborate and create something lasting for their space, which is located on Enterprise Causeway’s Ballycastle business site.

An Evening with the Causeway Shantymen

The day concluded on a high note with a very special performance by the Causeway Shantymen. Formed in 2023 by Portrush native Barry Torrens, the lively crew have become known for using sea shanties to improve wellbeing, connection and confidence among men.

The interactive evening invited the audience to sing along, hear the group’s origin story and experience the lift that comes from united voices. The event drew men and women from across rural and coastal communities to celebrate International Men's Day through song.

Both the woodcraft workshop and the evening performance were supported by the International Fund for Ireland through the cross-border Connecting Communities project.

Speaking about organising all three events, Enterprise Causeway CEO, Jayne Taggart reflected: “Last year we piloted an event to celebrate International Men’s Day that went down tremendously well.

"Rather than just recreate that one event we decided to go bigger, designing three unique events that could reach, and engage, the men in our communities in meaningful ways.

“By working closely with our partners and local communities we’ve co-created experiences where men feel comfortable attending, connect with others and leave, having learned something valuable - whether that’s through music, craft, conversation, or just spending time together.

“I’d like to thank all involved, including everyone who came along – it was a fabulous day that we look forward to repeating and making even better for next year!”