Men's Sheds in Laois get funding windfall

NINE Men’s Sheds in Laois will share almost €18,000, with the announcement of new grants on 4 May.

The biggest winners are sheds in Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Rathdowney, which will receive €3,000 each.

A grant of €2,800.38 will go to Knock Vintage Men’s Shed, while Borris-in-Ossory will get €2,087.26, Mountrath €1,159.47 and Portarlington €1,296.21. Rothar Rogues/Durrow Community Bikes Shed has been awarded €956, while Abbeyleix and District will get just €395.68.

Total funding for the Laois sheds comes to €17,695. The grants assist Men’s Sheds with running and operational costs such as heating, electricity and insurance bills.

All applications nationwide were assessed by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) which distributes supports to members, with grants of up to €3,000 available. The funding will assist 369 Men’s Sheds across the country.

The increasingly popular Men’s Sheds are community-based, local spaces where men gather to connect, converse and collaborate on projects such as woodworking, gardening and repair work and make long-lasting friendships. They are more than just woodwork or gardening; they are social spaces where men can find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Welcoming the funding announcement, local TD Seán Fleming said in a statement: ‘I encourage as many men as possible to join a local Men’s Shed, where they can meet many people with similar or different interests, have a chat and a cup of tea. It is better to leave your house and go out and meet other people as it also helps prevent social isolation.

‘There is a Men’s Shed near you and we are so lucky to have so many of them in Laois. Finally, I would like to thank the men who have set up and run these facilities locally, as they are providing a great service.’ 

The funding is provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The sheds are independent and self-autonomous spaces aimed at providing men who are retired with a steady social outlet and avenue to continue contributing to their community. Most sheds engage in activities such as woodwork, gardening, carpentry and community work. However, there are also special interest sheds that focus on interests such as music, fishing and restoration work.

The Men’s Shed movement was first founded in Australia in the 1980s and has expanded to many other countries, with the Republic of Ireland boasting the highest number per capita.