Based in Temple Street, Sligo Men’s Shed has been going from strength to strength ever since it was founded in 2013. Boasting a 20-member strong team, the shed partakes in a diverse range of activities including woodwork and gardening.

Various projects that the group have completed to date include buddy benches, bird and bat boxes, flower boxes and compost heaps for schools, as well as flower and vegetable plots.

The members of the shed hail from a variety of backgrounds, with most being retired tradesmen and self-employed businessmen. Sligo Men’s Shed also keep two gardens, one of which is used to grow different flowers, fruit and vegetables, while the other is a natural garden which is only tended once a year. John says the group have also planted additional pollinator-friendly flowers for the bees in this plot.

John believes that the diversity of backgrounds is very important because members can learn new skills. Some members are very musically talented and are currently teaching other members of the shed fiddle, tin whistle and guitar.

John says that all members are free to try new activities and learn new skills, adding that “there is no such thing as failure and all skills are appreciated”. He believes the social aspect of the shed is critically important and says that the members help build each other’s confidence when learning and teaching skills.

The shed is also heavily involved in the community and worked with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Sligo and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

The men’s shed has also gone on a trip to the Country life Museum in Castlebar and has close links with Boyle Men’s Shed in Co Roscommon. They also hosted a visit from Ballina Men’s Shed. The group also does walking mornings.

The shed scooped the prize for the “Pallet Challenge” at the Irish Men’s Shed Association conference in Castlebar in 2013.

Sligo Men’s Shed is open five days a week from 10.30am until 3pm/4pm, depending on which activities are going on.

Anyone interested in joining Sligo Men’s Shed is asked to contact the shed chair James Derwin on 087 1622864 or call down to the shed.

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