Athenry Men’s Shed was established in 2016 after shed chair John Murray had read a lot about the association. He decided to have a go at setting one up in the area because there wasn’t one at the time. John shares that he wanted “a place for people to go so that they aren’t sitting at home twiddling their thumbs”. They obtained a premises from Teagasc and now have 38 members involved. The members range from 50- to 80-years-old and are a “good mix”.
Athenry Men’s Shed was established in 2016 after shed chair John Murray had read a lot about the association. He decided to have a go at setting one up in the area because there wasn’t one at the time.
John shares that he wanted “a place for people to go so that they aren’t sitting at home twiddling their thumbs”. They obtained a premises from Teagasc and now have 38 members involved. The members range from 50- to 80-years-old and are a “good mix”.
“We have a very good relationship with Teagasc,” explains John. Along with a premises they also have the use of an acre of land, which hasn’t been put to use yet. The plan in the future would be to divide the land up into allotments, to add to the growing already done in the polytunnels.
They have a big shed and have recently been donated another kitchen so that they can cater for bigger crowds.
Shed members are always happy to help out in the community and have previously helped out with Tidy Towns. John said: “I’m proud for the members, everywhere you go everyone is talking about the men’s shed.”
At the moment the members are busy preparing their float for the St Patrick’s Day parade. Along with the float, they often have orders for buddy benches for schools and garden benches. Their biggest seller so far has been Christmas cribs which they “couldn’t keep as they almost walked out the door” and the Christmas trees made out of pallets and decorated with lights.
The shed is located in Teagasc, Ballygarruan South, Athenry, Co Galway. It is open five days a week from 10am-2pm during winter and from 11am -4pm when it is brighter. For more information or to join contact John Murray at 087-902 4593.
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