North-south shed connector project
With the Brexit process continuing to hog the headlines, the border region is under increased scrutiny. The spectre of a hard border continues to exercise minds on both sides of the Irish Sea.
As ever, Men’s Sheds are pointing the way towards a more positive vision for the border region. In 2018, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association successfully applied for funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Reconciliation Fund.
The Fund targets non-governmental organisations, community groups and voluntary organisations that promote reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and foster closer understanding between the peoples and traditions on these islands.
An allocation from the fund will allow the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) to undertake its North-South Shed Connector Project in 2019.
The project was launched at a major gathering of men’s sheds in the border region last December, and will involve a series of reciprocal cross-border visits by sheds.
A series of visits have already been arranged, with sheds from Portadown, Kilkeel, Eglinton and Armagh city and Belfast scheduled to make and receive visits from the Ballaghadereen, Virginia, Drogheda and Newport sheds.
IMSA CEO Barry Sheridan is looking forward to the cross-border visits. “It’s great that we were able to source the funding for this project from the Department,” says Barry. “Sheds have always been a cross-border, all-island affair. We held our 2016 conference in Belfast, under the title ‘Sheds without Borders’, and this project just reinforces that message.”
Skerries Men’s Shed, Co Dublin
As well as cross-border projects, sheds have also been engaging in some cross-generational activities.
Members of Skerries Men’s Sheds recently embarked on an extensive programme of restoration and improvement of the grounds of St Patrick’s National School at Beau Piers Lane.
Skerries Men's Sheds members cleaning up their alma mater.
Many members of the shed clean-up squad are past pupils of the school, which has been an institution in Skerries since 1973; a concrete example of shed members’ commitment to giving back to their communities.
Ballincollig Men’s Shed, Co Cork
Speaking of institutions – and of cross-generational projects – the YMCA has been an abiding presence in Irish communities for decades. Given the rapid expansion of men’s sheds throughout the country, it’s perhaps natural that the two would eventually come into contact.
Members of Ballincollig YMCA recently visited Ballincollig Men’s Shed. The youngsters’ visit was welcomed by shed members, who described the youthful delegation as “a great bunch of people who are very interested in what we do”. The YMCA group did not leave empty-handed, having secured a commitment from the shed to craft a picnic bench for their new recreational area.
Castlebar Men’s Shed, Co Mayo
In recent years, men’s sheds choirs have erupted across the land, in a glorious cacophony of silver heads, golden voices and throbbing tonsils.
Castlebar Men's Shed choir.
Shed choirs are hitting ever-higher notes, with Mayfield Men’s Shed Choir featuring on Ireland’s Got Talent in March. Castlebar Men’s Sheds choir is one of the longest-established and is currently on the lookout for new members to add to its chorus.
Know anyone who might be interested? The choir convenes every Monday at 3pm. Simply call the Irish Men’s Sheds Association on (01) 891 6150 and we’ll put you in touch.
KC Men’s Shed, Co Kerry
Finally for this week, the mid-Kerry region is bejewelled with some of Ireland’s prettiest scenery, but distance can be a problem. KC Men’s Shed, based in Castlemaine, hosts a social evening each Wednesday at 8pm. Locals can avail of the free LIFT scheme to get to the shed and back – simply call 087 335 7910.
Read more
Shed of the Week: Graiguenamanagh Men’s Shed
Men's Sheds at home and abroad
North-south shed connector project
With the Brexit process continuing to hog the headlines, the border region is under increased scrutiny. The spectre of a hard border continues to exercise minds on both sides of the Irish Sea.
As ever, Men’s Sheds are pointing the way towards a more positive vision for the border region. In 2018, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association successfully applied for funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Reconciliation Fund.
The Fund targets non-governmental organisations, community groups and voluntary organisations that promote reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and foster closer understanding between the peoples and traditions on these islands.
An allocation from the fund will allow the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) to undertake its North-South Shed Connector Project in 2019.
The project was launched at a major gathering of men’s sheds in the border region last December, and will involve a series of reciprocal cross-border visits by sheds.
A series of visits have already been arranged, with sheds from Portadown, Kilkeel, Eglinton and Armagh city and Belfast scheduled to make and receive visits from the Ballaghadereen, Virginia, Drogheda and Newport sheds.
IMSA CEO Barry Sheridan is looking forward to the cross-border visits. “It’s great that we were able to source the funding for this project from the Department,” says Barry. “Sheds have always been a cross-border, all-island affair. We held our 2016 conference in Belfast, under the title ‘Sheds without Borders’, and this project just reinforces that message.”
Skerries Men’s Shed, Co Dublin
As well as cross-border projects, sheds have also been engaging in some cross-generational activities.
Members of Skerries Men’s Sheds recently embarked on an extensive programme of restoration and improvement of the grounds of St Patrick’s National School at Beau Piers Lane.
Skerries Men's Sheds members cleaning up their alma mater.
Many members of the shed clean-up squad are past pupils of the school, which has been an institution in Skerries since 1973; a concrete example of shed members’ commitment to giving back to their communities.
Ballincollig Men’s Shed, Co Cork
Speaking of institutions – and of cross-generational projects – the YMCA has been an abiding presence in Irish communities for decades. Given the rapid expansion of men’s sheds throughout the country, it’s perhaps natural that the two would eventually come into contact.
Members of Ballincollig YMCA recently visited Ballincollig Men’s Shed. The youngsters’ visit was welcomed by shed members, who described the youthful delegation as “a great bunch of people who are very interested in what we do”. The YMCA group did not leave empty-handed, having secured a commitment from the shed to craft a picnic bench for their new recreational area.
Castlebar Men’s Shed, Co Mayo
In recent years, men’s sheds choirs have erupted across the land, in a glorious cacophony of silver heads, golden voices and throbbing tonsils.
Castlebar Men's Shed choir.
Shed choirs are hitting ever-higher notes, with Mayfield Men’s Shed Choir featuring on Ireland’s Got Talent in March. Castlebar Men’s Sheds choir is one of the longest-established and is currently on the lookout for new members to add to its chorus.
Know anyone who might be interested? The choir convenes every Monday at 3pm. Simply call the Irish Men’s Sheds Association on (01) 891 6150 and we’ll put you in touch.
KC Men’s Shed, Co Kerry
Finally for this week, the mid-Kerry region is bejewelled with some of Ireland’s prettiest scenery, but distance can be a problem. KC Men’s Shed, based in Castlemaine, hosts a social evening each Wednesday at 8pm. Locals can avail of the free LIFT scheme to get to the shed and back – simply call 087 335 7910.
Read more
Shed of the Week: Graiguenamanagh Men’s Shed
Men's Sheds at home and abroad
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