The Letterkenny men’s shed may have officially started in 2013, but plans for the shed were in the pipeline long before its official opening. Discussions and then a partnership between the HSE and the Letterkenny Community Development Project (CDP) in 2012 accumulated in the foundation of the Letterkenny branch of the Men’s Shed.

Letterkenny Men’s Shed is similar to those across the country, however it is what these men do outside the workshops that makes Letterkenny’s version both unique and worthwhile. The shed pays special attention to community service. Volunteer work, as well as promoting men’s physical and mental health, is the fulcrum of this branch.

Michael McCormac, one the founders, explains the level of volunteer work this shed does: “We get involved in the local community a lot and we feel this is important. We help community projects such as the local Tidy Towns as well as renovation work on the local graveyard.”

Michael, who along with six other men, forms the core group which runs the shed, also emphasised the importance of mental and physical health for men in the area.

“We are firm believers here that men should take care of themselves. During national health week, we worked with chemists and nurses and encouraged men in the area to get check-ups. We have helped people to keep themselves looked after because of this,” he continued.

In terms of the shed itself, Michael believes that it is a crucial initiative for men in the area.

“It is a great place to unwind and get away from the house for a few hours. You can sit down, have a cup of tea and have the banter with the lads,” he explained.

With a current group of 35, ranging in ages, the shed meets on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-5pm and Wednesdays from 9am-1pm. For more information, check them out on Facebook or contact 086-227 0437.

Listen to a discussion on the Men's Sheds movement in our podcast below:

Listen to "Men's Sheds in Irish Country Living" on Spreaker.