The Co Limerick village of Adare is justly considered one of the most picturesque locations in Ireland.

Now, in addition to its thatched cottages, three historic abbeys, luxurious manor house, golf course and castle, Adare has its very own Men’s Shed. After much collaborative effort, the shed was formally launched on Saturday, September 27.

Members, well-wishers and curious onlookers were drenched in glorious sunshine, such as only a Co Limerick autumn can offer. A steady stream of visitors passed through the shed throughout the course of the day, as members reflected upon a job well done and looked forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“This was our first project,” says shed secretary Michael O’Donoghue, gesturing to the solid stone walls that encase the shed. The premises itself is a former abattoir, offered to the shed for a nominal rent by local publican Mick Collins.

Michael traces the shed’s origins backs to the latter half of 2016.

“When the idea came about, we asked people to identify possible premises and we were very lucky that Mick Collins offered us this premises.”

“We had about 20 lads starting out, most in their 50s. One of our members is a former engineer, which was a great asset to us,” says Michael, whose own background is in banking.

Community spirit

The shed harnessed a remarkable amount of goodwill from its local community.

“Everyone rowed in with finding us a water source and things like that. We’d be building up a wall, and a local builder would just appear on his way home from a job, park up outside and help us finish it, without expecting any payment,” says Michael, still astounded at the memory.

Adare Men’s Shed PRO Philip Bray chimes in on this: ”Everything used in the building was given free, donated or discounted, so much that the total cost was minimal,” he says.

“The support of the entire community in this endeavour gave rise to what our chair Sean Lohan called ‘The miracle down the lane in Adare’.”

Both men pay warm tribute to former shed chair John Quaid, who sadly passed away before seeing his efforts come fully to fruition. Michael hopes the shed will flourish in his memory.

Adare Men's Shed at the formal opening of the new shed.

“We want to make this a happy space for men to come, mix, meet friends and always have a project on the go.”

Indeed, Michael himself is originally from Co Kerry and credits the two-year effort to get the shed off the ground with drastically broadening his social circle.

“Above all,” says Michael, “I think we can be a big support to the community. We’re already helping out with things like the Tidy Towns and the village fete and we performed stewarding duties for the Limerick hurling team’s homecoming when they won the all-Ireland.”

Through contacts with local sheds and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Michael is already aware of the possibilities that lie ahead. “A lot of organisations will look to us for help and assistance. They know there’s a team here which is at their disposal.”

Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) chair Eoin Martyn formally opened the shed, lavishing praise upon the gargantuan community effort that brought it into being.

IMSA board member Frank McNamara was also in attendance and equally impressed. Catering on the day was generously provided by Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel.

If you’d like to join Adare Men’s Shed, or if you know anyone who would, please contact Michael O’Donoghue on 087-6834732 or adaremensshed17@gmail.com. The shed is located in the lane beside Aibheil Wedding Dresses on the Rathkeale Road.