The idea for the Tubbercurry Men’s Shed in Co Sligo was first conceived at the Family Resource Centre in the town. The idea was brought to outreach worker Mary Gilroy, who helped the small group of men organise a meeting with John McEvoy from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in 2012.We started with the idea of gardening classes, and they were popular
The idea for the Tubbercurry Men’s Shed in Co Sligo was first conceived at the Family Resource Centre in the town. The idea was brought to outreach worker Mary Gilroy, who helped the small group of men organise a meeting with John McEvoy from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in 2012.
We started with the idea of gardening classes, and they were popular
After some searching, they secured a premises in Banada village, just four miles out from Tubbercurry town. Pat O’Hara was there from the beginning and now serves as chair for the shed. “We started with the idea of gardening classes, and they were popular,” says Pat, “we have tools and a workshop as well, but it turns out that it’s not all about the classes, most men in our shed are quite happy to just come and chat.”
The group meet every Wednesday and Thursday evening, however the shed is open on many other times and days too. “Everybody is equal at the shed, there might be people who come and say nothing, others will have a lot to say, but it’s important to note who seems left out and big them up,” says Pat.
I like hearing about all the things going on in the surrounding area
He also says that meeting new people is one of his favourite things about going to the meetings. “I like hearing about all the things going on in the surrounding area – who got married and such things, getting the stories from around.”
Pat says that most of the people attending the shed are from rural areas rather than the town itself. “We also have young men coming too, there are lads coming here who are under 40.” Pat explains he was admitted to hospital before Christmas, and the support from the men’s shed meant so much.
When they came out to my aid, it wasn’t just one of them, but every one of them
“The amount of visits and sympathy cards I got was outstanding. When they came out to my aid, it wasn’t just one of them, but every one of them. With all the chats and courses going on, there’s one thing in common, everybody seems to come out of it happy.”
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