Grand Traverse Men’s Shed, Michigan

Perhaps the greatest lesson of the men’s sheds movement is that each of us, no matter what our background or our circumstances, has something to contribute to society. It’s a principle which applies equally across the globe, whether in Australia, the birthplace of the men’s sheds movement, or Iceland, its newest territory.

Given the cultural ties between Ireland and the United States, it was perhaps inevitable that the men’s sheds phenomenon would make its way across the Atlantic. Ties between Irish America and the men’s sheds movement have existed for years, most notably in the funding provided to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association by the Irish-American philanthropy group The Ireland Funds.

In late November, men’s sheds hit the mainstream in the United States. NBC’s Today Show is a venerable institution across the United States. Beamed live to millions of Americans each morning, the show has been on the air continuously since 1952, pre-dating our own Late Late Show by a decade.

Grand Traverse Men’s Shed of Michigan featured in a Today Show segment as part of a week-long strand focusing on the theme of brotherhood. Millions of viewers saw shed founder Mike Novak credit the Irish Men’s Sheds Association with playing a major role in getting both the shed, and the American movement, off the ground.

Novak (68) described the difficulties his shed was designed to counter: “Once men retire, they lose their identity and purpose in life. I’m finding out locally now that guys are having a hard time getting out of the house.”

Jim, a member of the shed, first encountered the concept of men’s shed via a segment on local TV. He got in touch with the Australian Men’s Sheds Association, who put him in contact with the Irish equivalent. Former IMSA CEO John Evoy provided Jim with invaluable mentoring before the shed was formally established.

“Regardless of where you’re at, whether it’s Ireland, Australia or the US, guys are having the same issues,” Jim told the programme.

The shed initially met at Jim’s house, before a local businessman donated a 2,000 sq ft shed completely free of charge after coming across the group’s story in a local newspaper.

Jim reports that newcomers are initially nervous, but swiftly become attuned to the vibe of a shed.

“I want guys to leave here with their heads held high and feeling good about themselves.”

For now there are just 12 sheds in the United States, but with such positive exposure and the efforts of dedicated volunteers such as Jim, we’re sure that number will grow.

Dungarvan Men’s Shed, Co Waterford

With Christmas approaching like a runaway sled, sheds throughout the country are being called upon to do their bit for communities in the run-up to the festive season. One shed which will never be found wanting in that respect is Dungarvan Men’s Shed in Co Waterford.

The shed is playing a key role in the annual Dungarvan Aglow Christmas celebrations. Michael Cass reports that shed member Nicky Sheehan has been busily cutting out and decorating trees, elves, reindeer and Santas, which have now gone on display in Santa’s garden adjacent to the Civic Offices. Nicky was assisted over the course of the past three months by shed members, GSK employees and others, in what was a superlative community effort.

If there’s a Christmas project in your community you feel your local shed could assist with, why not find their contact details on www.menssheds.ie and get in touch?