The cusp of summer is traditionally a time for celebration, as the harsh northern winter recedes into memory once more. In 2019, this special time of year has arrived laden with awards, plaudits and achievements for the men’s sheds movement in Ireland.
Westport Men’s Shed, Co Mayo
In late April, one of the most ambitious and remarkable men’s sheds projects ever undertaken in Ireland finally reached fruition.
Back in 2018, Westport Men’s Shed took delivery (via a precarious ferry ride) of a tractor. Nothing so remarkable about that, except that the ferry trip to Westport was only the first leg of a journey that will ultimately conclude in Ho Municipal District, Ghana.
The 40-year-old tractor was donated by local farmer Billy Gallagher, and the shed threw itself body and soul into the task of renovating and refurbishing the vehicle. While the mechanics remained sound enough, extensive repairs were required to the bodywork and hydraulic systems.
Billy Gallagher bids a fond farewell to the Ghana-bound tractor. / Dr Oliver Whyte
The rejuvenated Massey Ferguson 135, suitably adorned with tricolours and a “Mayo for Sam” sign, will make its way to an impoverished community in Ghana. The completed project is a feather in the cap of the Westport shed, proving that its commitment to community spirit extends beyond borders and continents.
Local GP Dr Oliver Whyte, a friend of the shed, has documented the process on his YouTube channel, which can be found by searching his name on the site.
Clane Men’s Shed, Co Kildare
Meanwhile, Clane Men’s Shed has been bringing home the baking as part of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association’s (IMSA) ongoing Sheds for Life programme in Co Kildare. A key component of the programme is the six-week Healthy Food Made Easy course.
As well as baking their own bread, participants were expertly tutored in soup preparation by dedicated and resourceful facilitator Vivien Smith.
Cooking up a storm in Clane.
All shed members who completed the six-week course were awarded a certificate, and Ted Murray of Clane Men’s Shed reports that the final feast cooked up was devoured with enthusiasm.
Healthy eating is a key feature of Sheds for Life, alongside physical exercise, health checks and mental health supports delivered by the IMSA’s range of healthcare partners.
Healthy Food Made Easy is an initiative of the HSE’s Health Promotion division and available through regional partnership bodies.
Thomastown Men’s Shed, Co Kilkenny
Thomastown Men’s Shed recently received a reward for its exemplary record of community engagement in the Kilkenny town.
The shed was among 60 participants in the recent Wheelbarrow Dash hosted by the Thomastown Community Network, an event which saw dozens of brightly decorated wheelbarrows careen through Thomastown’s picturesque streets, in a slightly more sedate Kilkenny equivalent to Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.
The shed was recognised for its worth to its community, with an award conferred by the county’s Public Participation Network at a recent ceremony.
Southside Community and Sports Awards 2019
Meanwhile, the IMSA itself has received yet another award, this time via Dublin’s Southside People. The local paper sponsors the Southside Community and Sports Awards, recognising excellence and community spirit south of the river Liffey.
IMSA board member Cllr Alan Tobin accepted the award from RTÉ presenter Joe Duffy on behalf of the association at the ceremony hosted in the Talbot Stillorgan Hotel on Friday April 26.
Naas Community Men’s Shed, Co Kildare
Another Kildare shed completes a trophy-laden season for Ireland’s Men’s Sheds, with Naas Community Men’s Shed picking up a well-deserved first prize for its all-singing, all-dancing musical float in the town’s recent Easter parade.
Read more
The global stage
Men's Sheds: Portadown visit Ballaghaderreen
The cusp of summer is traditionally a time for celebration, as the harsh northern winter recedes into memory once more. In 2019, this special time of year has arrived laden with awards, plaudits and achievements for the men’s sheds movement in Ireland.
Westport Men’s Shed, Co Mayo
In late April, one of the most ambitious and remarkable men’s sheds projects ever undertaken in Ireland finally reached fruition.
Back in 2018, Westport Men’s Shed took delivery (via a precarious ferry ride) of a tractor. Nothing so remarkable about that, except that the ferry trip to Westport was only the first leg of a journey that will ultimately conclude in Ho Municipal District, Ghana.
The 40-year-old tractor was donated by local farmer Billy Gallagher, and the shed threw itself body and soul into the task of renovating and refurbishing the vehicle. While the mechanics remained sound enough, extensive repairs were required to the bodywork and hydraulic systems.
Billy Gallagher bids a fond farewell to the Ghana-bound tractor. / Dr Oliver Whyte
The rejuvenated Massey Ferguson 135, suitably adorned with tricolours and a “Mayo for Sam” sign, will make its way to an impoverished community in Ghana. The completed project is a feather in the cap of the Westport shed, proving that its commitment to community spirit extends beyond borders and continents.
Local GP Dr Oliver Whyte, a friend of the shed, has documented the process on his YouTube channel, which can be found by searching his name on the site.
Clane Men’s Shed, Co Kildare
Meanwhile, Clane Men’s Shed has been bringing home the baking as part of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association’s (IMSA) ongoing Sheds for Life programme in Co Kildare. A key component of the programme is the six-week Healthy Food Made Easy course.
As well as baking their own bread, participants were expertly tutored in soup preparation by dedicated and resourceful facilitator Vivien Smith.
Cooking up a storm in Clane.
All shed members who completed the six-week course were awarded a certificate, and Ted Murray of Clane Men’s Shed reports that the final feast cooked up was devoured with enthusiasm.
Healthy eating is a key feature of Sheds for Life, alongside physical exercise, health checks and mental health supports delivered by the IMSA’s range of healthcare partners.
Healthy Food Made Easy is an initiative of the HSE’s Health Promotion division and available through regional partnership bodies.
Thomastown Men’s Shed, Co Kilkenny
Thomastown Men’s Shed recently received a reward for its exemplary record of community engagement in the Kilkenny town.
The shed was among 60 participants in the recent Wheelbarrow Dash hosted by the Thomastown Community Network, an event which saw dozens of brightly decorated wheelbarrows careen through Thomastown’s picturesque streets, in a slightly more sedate Kilkenny equivalent to Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.
The shed was recognised for its worth to its community, with an award conferred by the county’s Public Participation Network at a recent ceremony.
Southside Community and Sports Awards 2019
Meanwhile, the IMSA itself has received yet another award, this time via Dublin’s Southside People. The local paper sponsors the Southside Community and Sports Awards, recognising excellence and community spirit south of the river Liffey.
IMSA board member Cllr Alan Tobin accepted the award from RTÉ presenter Joe Duffy on behalf of the association at the ceremony hosted in the Talbot Stillorgan Hotel on Friday April 26.
Naas Community Men’s Shed, Co Kildare
Another Kildare shed completes a trophy-laden season for Ireland’s Men’s Sheds, with Naas Community Men’s Shed picking up a well-deserved first prize for its all-singing, all-dancing musical float in the town’s recent Easter parade.
Read more
The global stage
Men's Sheds: Portadown visit Ballaghaderreen
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